ICE Detains University Professor Despite Court-Blocked Deportation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Ann Lawani, a nurse and assistant professor at the University of San Francisco, at her home in Lodi, California, on September 16. Lawani, who entered the U.S. legally in 2007 but overstayed her visa, has been subject to a final removal order since 2013. Following her arrest, ICE transferred her through detention centers in Stockton and El Paso before placing her in the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

Representative Josh Harder has demanded Lawani's immediate release, stating there is "no apparent public safety justification" for her custody. Harder alleged that ICE agents arrested her without prior notice and failed to update the online detainee locator during her transfer. He further noted that a federal judge has barred her deportation to Nigeria while her habeas case is pending, as she previously received withholding of removal due to risks of persecution.

The Department of Homeland Security maintains that Lawani faces a final removal order and clarified that work authorization does not confer legal status in the United States. Lawani's detention has reportedly caused significant disruption to the master's nursing program she directs at the University of San Francisco.