News Summary
Tuscaloosa is in shock after the arrest of Alireza Doroudi, a 32-year-old doctoral student at the University of Alabama, by ICE agents over visa concerns. The incident, capturing the community’s attention, raises questions regarding the treatment of international students in the U.S. despite Doroudi’s valid documentation. As friends and family rally to support him, the case highlights broader issues in immigration policy affecting foreign students across the nation.
Tuscaloosa in Shock: ICE Detains Local University Student Over Visa Concerns
In a startling turn of events, Tuscaloosa has been rocked by the arrest of 32-year-old Alireza Doroudi, a dedicated doctoral student at the University of Alabama. On March 25, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) specialized agents made their move in the early hours, shaking up the quiet neighborhood where Doroudi resided.
Unfolding Events at Dawn
Newly released surveillance footage has captured the dramatic scene around 5 a.m. as multiple ICE vehicles pulled into the apartment complex. Witnesses watched as officers, clad in tactical gear, approached the building. The footage shows Doroudi, looking somewhat bewildered in his glasses and a cozy brown hoodie, being escorted by a team of seven officers, a sight that surely left many locals shaking their heads in disbelief.
A Promising Future in Engineering
Alireza Doroudi is no ordinary student; he has been diligently pursuing a doctorate in mechanical engineering, with hopes of graduating next year. Originally from Iran, he arrived in the U.S. in early 2023, and his journey seemed promising up until six months ago when he learned that his visa had been revoked. This news has raised eyebrows among those who know him well.
A Valid Visa and Concerns of National Security
Despite the revocation, Doroudi and his legal team strongly back the validity of his SEVIS and I-20 forms, documents that are crucial for maintaining lawful status while studying in the U.S. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated that the arrest was prompted by “significant national security concerns” stemming from the visa issue. However, his attorney David Rozas has shared that no specific reasons for the concerns have been disclosed, and as of now, Doroudi faces no criminal charges.
Not the Face of a Criminal
Family and friends are speaking out in defense of Doroudi, pointing out that he has a clean record apart from a couple of minor driving violations. His background speaks volumes: he earned a master’s degree in welding engineering technology from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran and has never shown any inclination toward extremist views or political unrest. Many are puzzled as to why a dedicated student could find himself in such a precarious position.
A Hostage of the System
Currently, Doroudi is being held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, with no immigration hearing set in the near future. This lack of a timeline has left many concerned for his wellbeing and future, as Doroudi is understandably anxious about his predicament.
Support From the Community
The situation has also drawn attention to a broader trend, as Doroudi is not alone in this challenge. Other international students like Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University and Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University have faced similar ICE actions, raising alarm bells regarding the treatment of foreign students.
Rallying Together
In response to Doroudi’s detention, his fiancée, Sama Bajgani, has launched a GoFundMe campaign aimed at raising funds for legal expenses, and so far, the community has rallied together to contribute over $25,000. Additionally, over 100 individuals participated in a protest outside the Richard Shelby Federal Courthouse in Tuscaloosa, demanding his release and bringing attention to the overarching issues within the immigration system.
University Stands Firm
Amid all this turmoil, university officials have expressed their unwavering support for international students, reiterating their compliance with federal immigration laws while emphasizing the need for compassion. However, due to privacy regulations, the University of Alabama has noted that they are limited in what they can disclose about individual circumstances.
In The Hands of Fate
As the dust settles on this troubling incident, many are left to wonder where Alireza Doroudi’s story will lead next. For now, he remains in limbo, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow him to return to his studies and fulfill his dreams. The community watches and waits, hoping justice prevails for one of their own.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tuscaloosa’s ICE Detention of Iranian Student Raises Concerns
Concerns Rise as International Students Face Visa Revocations
Tufts Doctoral Student Detained by Immigration Authorities
University of Alabama Student Detained by ICE Amid Concerns
Huntsville Moves Forward with New K-8 School Plans
Tuscaloosa Holds Rally Against Detainment of Iranian Student
Birmingham Community Rallies for Detained Student
International Graduate Student Detained by ICE Shocking University Community
Mahmoud Khalil Faces Deportation Hearing Amid Activism
Nearly 100 Protesters Arrested at Trump Tower in Support of Activism
Additional Resources
- WVTM 13
- AL.com
- CBS42
- Tuscaloosa News
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
- Google Search: Alireza Doroudi
- Google Scholar: Alireza Doroudi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alireza Doroudi
- Google News: ICE Detention
