UCLA vice chancellor responds to student’s detention at the U.S.-Mexico border

In a statement released Thursday, the UCLA vice chancellor for strategic communications Mary Osaka confirmed reports that a student was detained at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"The student remains in the custody of CBP and we are actively working to learn more information," Osaka said.

The UCLA student was detained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection early Thursday morning while attempting to reenter the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border, according to university advocates and student organizers.

The student, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was reportedly stopped during a routine immigration check and taken into federal custody. Supporters say the individual is being held in detention at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

The circumstances surrounding the detention remain unclear, including what prompted the CBP to detain the student. News of the incident spread quickly through the UCLA campus, prompting an emergency rally organized by student groups and immigration advocates. 

"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," Osaka said.

Though the student's name and nationality have not been revealed, a Los Angeles Times article refers to the student with female pronouns. 

In the previous month, several universities have put out statements warning international students of the risks that may be associated with traveling out of the country. As heightened scrutiny at the border has intensified, reports of detainment of legal residents, individuals with working and student visas, and even U.S. citizens 

Earlier this month, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk said that six current students and six former students participating in a training program have had their visas revoked by the U.S. government.

"In recent days, a number of international students on F-1 status at universities across the nation have had their visas revoked and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System status terminated by the federal government. These actions have understandably created a great deal of questions within our Bruin community," Frenk said in a letter to the campus community sent April 5.

"As your chancellor, I will always strive to keep you informed on important situations. To that end, here is what we currently know: During a routine audit of SEVIS records, UCLA officials learned that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program had terminated the SEVIS status of six current students. SEVP also terminated the status of six former students currently participating in the Optional Practical Training program. These numbers are fluid and may change.

"The termination notices indicate that all terminations were due to violations of the terms of the individuals' visa programs. At this time, UCLA is not aware of any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to these terminations," Frenk continued.

"We recognize that these actions can bring feelings of tremendous uncertainty and anxiety to our community. We want our immigrant and international UCLA students, staff and faculty to know we support your ability to work, learn, teach and thrive here.

"... I continue to meet almost daily with UC President Michael Drake and my fellow chancellors in the UC system to prepare for -- and respond to -- any federal policy changes. I am also in constant contact with senior leaders on campus. We remain committed to supporting our students as we abide by the law. We will continue to keep you updated on pertinent developments with the safety and well-being of our Bruin community remaining our utmost priority," the letter added.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January that threatened to revoke the visas of students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests last spring amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. UCLA was the site of some of those demonstrations.

Michelle Zacarias contributed to this report. Additional reporting by City News Service.