Minnesota grad student detained by ICE faces severe charges amid legal turmoil

In the United States, a Minnesota graduate student, Dogukan Gunaydin, has been detained by federal immigration authorities following his DWI arrest on March 27, 2025. Gunaydin, a Turkish national pursuing an MBA at the University of Minnesota, was apprehended on his way to class, with the Department of Homeland Security later stating that his visa was revoked due to the DWI incident. However, records from Gunaydin's lawyer indicate that his visa was revoked several hours after he was taken into custody, suggesting that at the time of his arrest, he still had lawful student status. During his detainment, Gunaydin expressed significant concern regarding the impact of his arrest on his legal status in the country, as evidenced by dashcam footage from the DWI incident where he can be heard stating his fears about deportation. The footage captures his anxious reaction after failing a breathalyzer test, emphasizing that he did not want this incident to jeopardize his ability to remain in the U.S. Subsequently, prosecutors have accused him of posing a public safety and national security threat, leading to the filing of additional federal charges against him. A bond hearing is scheduled, allowing Gunaydin and potential witnesses the opportunity to testify regarding the situation. The University of Minnesota’s administration has publicly stated that they had no prior knowledge of the actions taken by ICE, which sparked protests among students advocating for Gunaydin’s release. The detainment also brought attention to the university’s handling of international student affairs, as they confirmed that five other students had their visas revoked under similar circumstances and would need to leave the United States within 60 days. Gunaydin's legal predicament serves as a heightened reminder of the challenges faced by international students in the U.S. in the face of stringent immigration policies. As his case progresses, the implications of his charges could extend beyond legal consequences, potentially affecting the broader community of international students in the region and raising questions about the treatment of foreign nationals in the U.S. legal system.