Introduction to the Incident
A rally on the UCLA campus emerged Thursday in support of a student who was detained by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while attempting to enter the U.S. from Mexico.
Students and faculty organizers said that the woman detained in San Ysidro is an international graduate student at UCLA with an F-1 visa.
University Response
"UCLA has learned that an international graduate student was detained by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. The student remains in the custody of CBP and we are actively working to learn more information. Our international students are an essential part of our Bruin community, and we remain fully committed to supporting their ability to learn and thrive at UCLA," wrote the university.
Details of the Detention
According to an associate professor, the student, who has not been identified, has not been able to speak to an attorney.
"Their attorney has filed the forms to see them, and they have not been allowed access so far, and for that reason, I can’t share with you a lot more information about what’s happened," said Graeme Blair, associate professor of political science at UCLA.
Student Reaction
Demonstrators at the rally said they will not stay quiet while fellow students are under attack.
"We all knew this was coming. We knew about the students at Tufts who were unjustly kidnapped and honestly it just left me disgusted at what’s happening here," said Kat Edmiston, UCLA student. "We stand up we will stand up for our fellow students and we will try and advocate because it’s wrong and we can’t just sit by and let it happen."
Broader Context
The uncertainty comes after visas across the UC system, six of those from UCLA students, were revoked as part of the Trump administration’s sweeping crackdown.
"I have to talk to my students who are noncitizens and they are terrified and I’m terrified for them because of the capricious nature of US immigration policy right now," said Blair.
Conclusion
The detention of a UCLA student at the US-Mexico border and the subsequent rally on campus highlight the challenges and fears faced by international students in the United States. The university’s commitment to supporting its international students is crucial during these uncertain times. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for the community to come together and advocate for the rights and well-being of all students, regardless of their nationality.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to the UCLA student?
- A: The student, an international graduate student with an F-1 visa, was detained by US Customs and Border Protection while attempting to enter the US from Mexico.
- Q: Has the student been allowed to speak to an attorney?
- A: According to reports, the student’s attorney has filed the necessary forms to see them, but access has not been granted yet.
- Q: How has the university responded?
- A: UCLA has expressed commitment to supporting its international students and is working to learn more about the situation.
- Q: What are the broader implications of this incident?
- A: This incident is part of a larger context of uncertainty and fear for international students in the US, especially following the revocation of visas across the UC system.
- Q: How are students and faculty reacting?
- A: A rally was held on campus in support of the detained student, with demonstrators advocating for the rights of international students and expressing their solidarity.
