UCLA student detained at US-Mexico border
FILE PHOTO – An armed US Customs and Border Patrol agent stands watch at the border fence next to the beach in Tijuana, at the Border State Park in San Diego, California, November 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
LOS ANGELES – A UCLA student is in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection this week and protesters gathered on campus demanding the release of the student.
The UCLA international graduate student was detained while trying to cross the US-Mexico border, according to reports from UCLA.
Protesters gathered on campus Thursday demanding the student’s release and drawing attention to the detainment.
In a statement released Thursday, UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osaka said, “The student remains in the custody of CBP and we are actively working to learn more information.”
“Our international students are an essential part of our Bruin community, and we remain fully committed to supporting their ability to learn and thrive at UCLA.”
The name of the student has not been released and it is unclear why the student is being detained.
Earlier this month, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk said that six current students and six former students participating in a training program have had their visas revoked by the US government.
“In recent days, a number of international students on F-1 status at universities across the nation have had their visas revoked and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System status terminated by the federal government. These actions have understandably created a great deal of questions within our Bruin community,” Frenk said in a letter to the campus community sent April 5.
“As your chancellor, I will always strive to keep you informed on important situations.
To that end, here is what we currently know: During a routine audit of SEVIS records, UCLA officials learned that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program had terminated the SEVIS status of six current students. SEVP also terminated the status of six former students currently participating in the Optional Practical Training program. These numbers are fluid and may change.
“The termination notices indicate that all terminations were due to violations of the terms of the individuals’ visa programs. At this time, UCLA is not aware of any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to these terminations,” Frenk continued.
“We recognize that these actions can bring feelings of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety to our community. We want our immigrant and international UCLA students, staff and faculty to know we support your ability to work, learn, teach and thrive here.
“… I continue to meet almost daily with UC President Michael Drake and my fellow chancellors in the UC system to prepare for — and respond to — any federal policy changes. I am also in constant contact with senior leaders on campus. We remain committed to supporting our students as we abide by the law. We will continue to keep you updated on pertinent developments with the safety and well-being of our Bruin community remaining our utmost priority,” the letter added.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January that threatened to revoke the visas of students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests last spring amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. UCLA was the site of some of those demonstrations. (CNS)
