Johns Hopkins Researcher Fatima Ameaka Released After 3-Day ICE Detention Over Visa Dispute
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 1
Johns Hopkins Researcher Fatima Ameaka Released After 3-Day ICE Detention Over Visa Dispute
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 1
Summary
Late Friday, Fatima Ameaka was released after ICE detained her Tuesday at Baltimore-Washington airport and transferred her through facilities in Virginia, Louisiana and Texas.
DHS said the 31-year-old Cameroonian had overstayed her visa, but her lawyer called that false and said agency records wrongly listed her as a crewmember rather than a J-1 student.
A copy of Ameaka’s work authorization provided by her lawyer shows validity through December 2029; he said she also had temporary protected status and a pending asylum case.
Johns Hopkins backed its public health researcher, Sen. Chris Van Hollen criticized the detention, and colleagues raised more than $40,000 for legal costs.
Her case highlights the Trump administration’s push to use domestic air travel checks and alleged visa violations to accelerate deportations and deter immigrants from flying.