Johns Hopkins researcher detained by ICE after visa expiration

Key Points:

• Fatima Ameaka, a Johns Hopkins University researcher and former Fulbright scholar from Cameroon, was arrested by ICE at Baltimore-Washington International Airport for allegedly overstaying her visa, despite her visa being valid until June 13, 2024.
• Ameaka was initially detained in Baltimore, then transferred to Virginia, and later to an ICE processing center in South Louisiana; her colleagues and family have lost contact with her and are concerned about her medical needs and access to medication.
• Johns Hopkins University expressed deep concern, emphasizing it is actively supporting Ameaka, including ensuring she has legal representation, while her community has raised over $40,000 to cover her legal expenses.
• Immigration experts note that increased information sharing between ICE and TSA has led to more arrests like Ameaka's, advising individuals without current lawful status to avoid domestic travel.
• U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted Ameaka's pending asylum case and Temporary Protected Status application, criticizing ICE's detention and deportation efforts as unjust and counterproductive to public safety.