UF student deported to Colombia after ICE detention sparks outrage
- Felipe Zapata-Velásquez was arrested during a traffic stop in Gainesville for several offenses, including an expired registration.
- His detention by ICE led to campus protests from students demanding justice and highlighting anxiety among the international community.
- The case illustrates broader concerns regarding immigration enforcement and its implications for international students studying in the U.S.
In March 2025, Felipe Zapata-Velásquez, a 27-year-old international student from Colombia studying at the University of Florida, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a traffic stop in Gainesville. He was initially stopped by police for numerous traffic violations, including driving with a suspended license and having an illegal license plate. After being detained by ICE, he faced the choice of waiting for immigration court proceedings or signing deportation papers. On March 28, he chose to voluntarily depart the United States and returned to Colombia. Zapata-Velásquez's deportation ignited protests among the university's student body, with rallies organized to demand justice and call attention to the harsher immigration practices enforced by the previous administration under President Donald Trump. Approximately 100 students gathered on campus to express their dissent over his treatment and the fear it instilled within the international student community. Protest organizers emphasized the risks faced by international students and criticized the actions taken by law enforcement and immigration authorities. His mother, Claudia Velásquez, expressed concern for her son's wellbeing as he navigated the trauma of detention and deportation. In interviews, she highlighted the emotional toll the situation took on him and the family, sharing that they are currently prioritizing his health and recovery. She also conveyed her gratitude for the support that her son received from fellow students and staff at the university, and voiced hope for his eventual return to complete his education. The case of Felipe Zapata-Velásquez is not isolated, as it reflects larger trends within U.S. immigration policy that have intensified scrutiny and enforcement on international students. As many students voiced their anxiety about the potential for similar incidents, university officials faced criticism for their handling of the situation. Calls for clearer protections for international students were underscored by the case, raising questions about immigration policy and enforcement at educational institutions.