OU professor with valid visa released after three-day ICE detention
Nov 23, 2025·Location: Norman, OK

Vahid Abedini, an OU College of International Studies professor with an employer-sponsored H-1B visa, was detained by ICE for three days after being stopped at Will Rogers Airport in November while preparing to travel to an academic conference. Federal authorities said the detention was for standard questioning, though Abedini was asked very few questions according to colleagues. He has since been released but remains fearful of retaliation and has limited his public comments about the incident.
Sources
More incidents in Oklahoma
- Venezuelan man remains detained by ICE despite winning asylum caseSep 20, 2026 · OK
- ICE operation at two Elgin restaurants leads to multiple arrestsSep 3, 2026 · Elgin, OK
- Women at Oklahoma ICE facility allege vaginal infections from unwashed underwearAug 17, 2026 · Watonga, OK
- Napo detained by ICE in Tulsa, family faces deportation and financial crisisJul 24, 2026 · Tulsa, OK
- Mexican national in ICE custody challenges removal order citing pending immigration petitionsJul 13, 2026 · Watonga, OK
- Ukrainian national detained after traffic stop, habeas petition dismissedJun 30, 2026 · Tulsa, OK