A researcher employed by Johns Hopkins University was taken into custody this week by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after authorities accused her of remaining in the United States beyond the expiration of her visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Ameaka Fatima Nkempu, a researcher from Cameroon affiliated with the university’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, was arrested by ICE officers at Baltimore Washington International Airport while traveling on a personal trip, university officials said.
According to DHS, Nkempu entered the United States in June 2023 on a visa that permitted her to remain in the country legally until mid-June 2024. The agency said she overstayed that visa, which it described as a violation of U.S. immigration law.
DHS said Nkempu will remain in ICE custody while deportation proceedings move forward.
In a statement addressing the case, the department emphasized that individuals in the country illegally have options available to them.
“Being in detention is a choice,” DHS said, adding that the agency offers immigrants who are in the United States illegally a free flight to their home country along with a $2,600 payment.
The arrest comes as the Trump administration continues expanding immigration enforcement efforts nationwide, with ICE increasing its presence in transportation hubs, including airports, as part of a broader initiative to identify and detain individuals accused of violating immigration laws.
According to the article, the administration has deployed additional ICE officers to at least 25 airports across the country amid pressure from the White House to increase immigration arrests.
Federal officials have also strengthened coordination between agencies as part of the enforcement effort.
Multiple reports this week indicated that ICE has entered into a data-sharing agreement with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The agreement is intended to make it easier for federal authorities to identify individuals who are in the country illegally, including those accused of overstaying their visas.
Johns Hopkins University expressed concern following Nkempu’s detention, describing her as a respected member of the university community and stating that school officials are working to support her.
In a prepared statement, the university said it is “deeply concerned” about the situation and acknowledged the anxiety the arrest may cause among students, faculty and staff.
“The university understands the fear and concern this instills in members of our community,” the statement said.
University officials also noted that Nkempu was traveling in a personal capacity when she was detained. While declining to comment on the specific details of her case, the school said it is taking steps to assist her during the legal process.
According to the university, support efforts include ensuring that Nkempu has access to legal representation as she faces immigration proceedings.
The case comes amid the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown, which has included increased ICE enforcement activity across the country and expanded efforts to identify individuals accused of violating immigration laws.
DHS maintains that Nkempu’s detention stems from an alleged visa overstay after her lawful authorization to remain in the United States expired in mid-June 2024. The department said she will remain in custody pending the outcome of her deportation proceedings.
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