Baton Rouge, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Two Iranian Ph.D. students at Louisiana State University were arrested by ICE at their off-campus residence, raising concerns among the university community. The arrests occurred shortly after military actions were authorized against Iran. Both students were legally studying in the U.S., and their detention has highlighted the tensions faced by international students, particularly from Iran, amidst escalating geopolitical conflicts. Advocacy groups are worried about potential discrimination and the implications for the wider international student body.
Baton Rouge – Two Iranian-born Ph.D. students enrolled at Louisiana State University were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at their off-campus residence in Baton Rouge. The arrests of the married couple, Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad and his wife, have raised concerns within the university community and among advocacy groups as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate.
The university has confirmed the arrests, which occurred shortly after President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead for military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad’s status in ICE’s online detainee database has been confirmed, though the exact location of his detention remains undisclosed. The name of his wife has not been made public, pending a review of her immigration status.
Reports indicate that ICE has ramped up its enforcement actions, particularly against Iranian nationals, following the U.S. military actions. The reasons behind the arrests of the two students have not been made clear. ICE has not responded to inquiries regarding the matter. However, it is worth noting that the students were legally authorized to study in the U.S., a requirement for all international graduate students seeking to enroll in American universities. This legal status mandates that students obtain a visa from the U.S. State Department.
International students make up a significant portion of U.S. college enrollment, with over 1 million students from different countries attending American institutions. Among them, approximately 12,000 are from Iran, making the situation particularly sensitive. There is uncertainty about whether the visas of the arrested students have been revoked amid these developments.
Concerns about potential discrimination against Iranian individuals are heightened in light of the geopolitical tensions. Legal representatives for the couple claim that the arrests may signify a broader trend where international students face scrutiny due to their political beliefs. The Trump administration has been known to monitor immigrants’ social media for indications of “antisemitism,” which could contribute to a hostile atmosphere for Iranian nationals and other international students.
Statistics reveal that around 2,000 international students in the U.S. have experienced sudden alterations in their legal status in the past year. Furthermore, the international student body at LSU comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, which means the arrests may have a far-reaching impact on campus dynamics and the well-being of other international students.
This developing story continues to unfold, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available about the arrests, the students’ immigration statuses, and the implications for the broader international student community in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the students arrested by ICE?
The arrested individuals are Iranian-born Ph.D. students, Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad and his wife, enrolled at Louisiana State University.
What are the students studying at LSU?
Both students are pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering.
What is known about the circumstances of their arrest?
The arrests took place at their off-campus apartment shortly after President Trump’s authorization for military action against Iran. No specific reasons for the arrests have been provided by ICE.
Are the students legally allowed to study in the U.S.?
Yes, the students had legal status as international graduate students, which requires acceptance from their university and appropriate visas.
What impact could this have on the international student community at LSU?
The arrests have raised concerns about discrimination and safety among other international students, potentially affecting campus dynamics.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Names of Arrested Students | Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad and his wife |
| University | Louisiana State University (LSU) |
| Field of Study | Mechanical Engineering |
| Date of Arrest | Shortly after military action authorization by President Trump |
| Number of Iranian Students in the U.S. | Approximately 12,000 |
| Current Legal Status of Students | Under review; legal status confirmed as of the time of arrest |
| Arrests Link | Increased scrutiny of Iranian nationals due to tensions with Iran |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Iranian Ph.D. Students Arrested in Baton Rouge Amid Tensions
Shreveport Police Department Opens Permanent Substation
Two Iranian Students Arrested at LSU Amid Political Tensions
LSU Graduate Students Released from ICE Detention
Iranian Students Released from ICE Custody: A University Perspective
Concerns Arise Over ICE Arrest of University Students
LSU Graduate Students Released from ICE Custody
LSU Students Released from Immigration Detention
LSU Sees Dramatic Increase in Northeastern Student Enrollment
LSU Begins Search for New President Amid Transition Challenges
Additional Resources
- La Illuminator: Two Iranian-born LSU Students Arrested by ICE
- WAFB: Two Iranian-born LSU Students Arrested by ICE
- New York Times: Iran Student Released in Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Iran
- Google Search: Iran students ICE arrests
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