March 19, 2026
Dear International Students,
We are writing to make you aware that a University at Buffalo student was recently detained by immigration authorities in the New York City area. We are actively monitoring the situation, and we continue to offer our support to the student and their family. The university statement on the situation can be found on the UB website.
We understand this news may be unsettling and we recognize that many of you may be feeling anxious right now.
We want to be clear: we have no indications that ICE and Border Patrol are operating on the UB campus.
UB’s Counseling Services offers confidential counseling and mental health support for students who would like to speak with a professional.
International Student Services (ISS) is also here for you. ISS can provide general guidance and answer questions for students. If you have questions specific to your individual immigration situation, particularly if you hold a visa status other than F or J, we encourage you to consult with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide advice tailored to your circumstances. If you do pursue legal assistance we recommend utilizing the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) attorney finder at ailalawyer.com.
We encourage you to use these resources and stay connected to your support systems.
Sincerely,
Nojin Kwak, PhD
Vice Provost for International Education