A Cameroonian national and Johns Hopkins University public health researcher was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Tuesday, according to university officials and federal authorities.
ICE confirmed the arrest of Fatima Ameaka, stating she had overstayed a visa that expired on June 13, 2024, and would remain in custody pending removal proceedings. Ameaka, who holds a doctoral degree in pharmacy, is a senior analyst at the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation within Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The university described her as a "respected member of our community" and said she was traveling in a personal capacity.
Ameaka is currently being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, approximately 90 miles from Baton Rouge, according to the agency’s detainee locator system. Her lawyer confirmed she remains detained at the facility.
Core Facts
- Arrest Location and Date: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Tuesday.
- Charges: Overstaying a visa that expired June 13, 2024, per ICE.
- Current Status: Held at South Louisiana ICE Processing Center; removal proceedings pending.
- Professional Background: Johns Hopkins researcher with a doctoral degree in pharmacy, employed at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
University Response
Johns Hopkins University issued a statement expressing "deep concern" about Ameaka’s detention and affirming its commitment to supporting her, including ensuring access to legal representation. The university did not comment on the specifics of her case but noted she was traveling in a personal capacity.
"The university understands the fear and concern this instills in members of our community," a spokesperson said. "We want to assure our community that the university is actively working to provide support for Dr. Ameaka."
Federal Rationale
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Ameaka’s detention followed her violation of U.S. immigration laws by overstaying her visa. The spokesperson added that she would remain in ICE custody until removal proceedings conclude.
Additional Context
According to documents obtained by ABC News, Ameaka possessed a work authorization permit valid until 2029 and had a pending asylum case at the time of her arrest. Her arrest coincides with reports of increased federal immigration enforcement at airports, including a recently unveiled memorandum detailing data-sharing agreements between ICE and the Transportation Security Administration to identify individuals who have allegedly overstayed visas.
Ameaka’s case has drawn attention amid broader discussions about immigration enforcement policies and their impact on individuals with pending legal statuses.