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Johns Hopkins Researcher Arrested at BWI Airport
1 Aug
Summary
- A Johns Hopkins researcher was detained by ICE at BWI Airport.
- The researcher, Fatima Ameaka, is from Cameroon and overstayed her visa.
- Immigrant rights groups report an increase in airport arrests by ICE.
A researcher from Johns Hopkins University was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Fatima Ameaka, who specializes in infectious disease crisis response, was apprehended while attempting to travel to Florida.
Her colleagues at Johns Hopkins have been unable to communicate with her since her arrest. They report that Ameaka, originally from Cameroon, has a chronic health condition requiring medication, and they are concerned about her well-being while in ICE custody. Her visa reportedly expired in 2024.
Legal advocacy groups are noting a significant increase in ICE arrests occurring at airports in the region, including BWI, Dulles, and Reagan National. These detentions are reportedly affecting individuals who initially entered the U.S. on valid visas.
Sources indicate enhanced collaboration between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and ICE, possibly contributing to the observed rise in airport apprehensions. The university and friends are reportedly working to secure legal representation for Ameaka.
