Key facts
- Berhanu Kibret, an instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's pharmacy school, was detained by ICE.
- Kibret received a "teacher of the year" award shortly before his detention.
- ICE cited an expired visa as the reason for detention.
- The University of Maryland stated Kibret had valid work authorization.
- Kibret was detained at Dallas-Fort Worth airport in Texas.
- He will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
Berhanu Kibret, an instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Pharmacy and a recent recipient of a "teacher of the year" award, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, confirmed Kibret's arrest, stating he overstayed his visa which expired on May 31, 2024, after entering the U.S. on June 21, 2021. He will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
The University of Maryland expressed deep concern over the detention, highlighting that Kibret is a "highly valued member" and an "effective and beloved teacher." The institution noted that he possesses valid work authorization and expressed hope for a swift resolution to his status.
Kibret's research focuses on the brain's cannabinoid system and its influence on mental health, brain disease, and addiction. He earned his bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees in Ethiopia and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at William Paterson University.
The arrest occurs amid criticism of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, particularly after a Guardian analysis found a high percentage of individuals facing deportation proceedings had no criminal convictions. The report also noted a previous ICE detention of Fatima Ameaka, a Johns Hopkins researcher, who was later released and had a pending asylum case and valid work authorization.