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Ferris State Professor Arrested by ICE for Illegal Residence

11/27/2025

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Professor Arrested for Immigration Violations

Sumith Gunasekera, an associate professor at Ferris State University in Michigan, was arrested by ICE on November 12 for illegal residence.
The Sri Lanka-born professor has a history of sex crime convictions in Canada and the United States.
Ferris State University placed him on administrative leave during the investigation.
ICE officials said Gunasekera has attempted to manipulate the immigration system for years.
He remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

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Abedini Detained Wrongfully

Vahid Abedini, a University of Oklahoma professor of Iranian studies, was detained by ICE on November 25 while traveling to a conference.
He was released shortly after and expressed gratitude for the support.
Colleagues, including Joshua Landis, said Abedini holds a valid H-1B visa and was wrongfully detained.
The case has raised concerns about safety at U.S. conferences, prompting talks of boycotts.

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Professor Arrested for Immigration Violations

Sumith Gunasekera, an associate professor at Ferris State University in Michigan, was arrested by ICE on November 12 for illegal residence.
The Sri Lanka-born professor has a history of sex crime convictions in Canada and the United States.
Ferris State University placed him on administrative leave during the investigation.
ICE officials said Gunasekera has attempted to manipulate the immigration system for years.
He remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.

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