A University of Oklahoma professor specializing in Iranian studies found himself in immigration custody over the weekend while traveling to present his research at an academic conference in Washington, D.C.
Unexpected Detention During Academic Travel
Vahid Abedini, the Farzaneh Family Assistant Professor of Iranian Studies at OU's Boren College of International Studies, was taken into custody by immigration authorities. The detention occurred as he was making his way to the annual meeting of the Middle East Studies Association, a prominent gathering of scholars in his field.
According to Maj. Randy Lester of the Logan County Sheriff's Office, Abedini was booked into their facility on Saturday. The sheriff's office served as temporary housing for Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a cooperation agreement. On Monday morning, authorities transferred Abedini to the custody of ICE's Oklahoma City field office.
Confusion and Concern Among Academic Community
The academic community reacted with alarm to news of Abedini's detention. Joshua Landis, a professor of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, took to social media to declare that his colleague had been "wrongfully detained" while exercising his academic responsibilities.
Landis provided crucial context about Abedini's immigration status, confirming the professor held a valid H1-B visa. "We have a bevy of lawyers, and we know he has all his ducks in a row," Landis told HuffPost, while clarifying he was not speaking officially for the university.
Landis described Abedini as "a great member of the community" who had quickly become popular with students during his first semester at OU. The professor had previously been employed by the University of Arkansas before joining Oklahoma's faculty over the summer.
Ongoing Uncertainty and Institutional Response
Details about Abedini's current location and specific circumstances remain unclear. A friend who spoke with the professor after his transfer from county jail confirmed he was in immigration custody but couldn't pinpoint his exact facility. The friend noted Abedini might have been moved again on Monday.
Despite the unsettling situation, the friend reported that Abedini appeared to be in good spirits and had access to basic necessities like towels and blankets. Word of his detention initially spread when the professor managed to contact the hotel hosting the academic conference.
The University of Oklahoma maintained a neutral position, stating they "do not have a comment" on the matter. Neither the State Department nor the Department of Homeland Security immediately responded to requests for clarification.
Vali Nasr, a Johns Hopkins University professor attending the MESA conference, expressed concern about the broader implications. He noted the news was particularly chilling for younger scholars and criticized what he perceived as a lack of discernment by U.S. authorities.
Nasr highlighted Abedini's credentials, describing him as "a fine young scholar" who had earned an endowed chair position after the university conducted an extensive search. Landis further emphasized his colleague's positive disposition toward the United States, stating unequivocally: "He is very pro-America. He loves America."
