News Summary
Alireza Doroudi, a PhD student at the University of Alabama, was detained by ICE, igniting fears over the treatment of international students. The university has acknowledged his detention but remains limited in comments due to privacy laws. Following more than 40 days in custody, Doroudi voluntarily chose to depart the U.S., raising significant questions about the immigration process and its implications for foreign students. Advocacy groups are calling for a reassessment of immigration policies in light of similar incidents across the nation.
Tuscaloosa, AL – Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian national and PhD student in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama, was detained by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit in the early hours of Tuesday morning, around 5 a.m. This incident has raised concerns about the treatment of international students and noncitizens within the United States.
The University of Alabama has acknowledged Doroudi’s detention but has limited its comments due to federal privacy laws. University spokesperson Alex House indicated that the institution is cooperating with immigration authorities but did not provide details regarding any assistance being offered to Doroudi.
Doroudi’s attorney, David Rozas, shared that the student felt compelled to request voluntary departure to Iran in order to avoid further detention, expressing feelings of being unwanted in the U.S. After spending over 40 days in custody, Doroudi reported various health issues, including deteriorating vision, hearing problems, and declining mental health.
During his detention, Doroudi was held at the Jena/LaSalle Detention Facility in Louisiana. Previously, he had maintained lawful status while studying at the university, with only traffic infractions on his record. Initially charged with being out of status, the government later acknowledged that it had no evidence to support this claim after revoking his F-1 student visa.
Doroudi’s legal team submitted substantial evidence and requested a bond hearing, yet the motion was denied, and he remained in custody. The University of Alabama College Democrats voiced concerns that Doroudi’s arrest is indicative of a larger trend in the Trump administration and ICE’s enforcement practices against noncitizens and international students.
Incidents similar to Doroudi’s have occurred recently, including the detainment of Rumeysa Ozturk at Tufts University and Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University. These cases highlight a worrying pattern in how immigration laws are enforced on college campuses across the nation.
The University of Alabama has emphasized that international students are a valued part of its community. However, it has faced criticism for its seemingly indifferent response to Doroudi’s circumstance. The university’s acknowledgment of the situation contrasts with the urgent need for advocacy on behalf of its detained students.
Following Doroudi’s voluntary departure from the U.S., Rozas underscored the implications for future foreign students in America, raising questions about the fairness and overall justice of the immigration system. The case prompts a critical examination of what precedents are being established for the treatment of international students.
As the situation unfolds, the broader implications for those affected by similar enforcement actions are becoming increasingly clear. Advocacy groups and community members are calling for a reassessment of current immigration policies, urging that the experiences of students like Alireza Doroudi should serve as a catalyst for change.
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13
- Wikipedia: Alireza Doroudi
- NBC News
- Google Search: Alireza Doroudi
- CBS 42
- Google Scholar: International Students ICE
- Tuscaloosa News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ICE Detention
- Alabama Reflector
- Google News: University of Alabama ICE Detention
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
