Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen posted on X that University of Maryland Professor Kibret was detained by ICE at a Texas airport after receiving a Teacher of the Year award at a conference and remains in custody three weeks later, urging his release. The post has drawn widespread online attention, with users responding in large numbers to the senator’s description of the detention and call for action.
In the post, Van Hollen writes that “After winning the Teacher of the Year award at a conference in TX, UMD Professor Kibret was detained by ICE at the airport.” He adds that “3 weeks later he’s still in custody,” states that “He’s not the ‘worst of the worst,’ & detaining him isn’t making our communities safer,” and concludes, “He should be released, now.”
The post itself does not include video footage of the detention or any accompanying images of the events described. Additional details about the case, including statements from the university and federal officials, appear in separate news reports but are not part of the original X post.
Maryland Commenters Push Back on Van Hollen’s Call
Some users focused on the reported timeline of the individual’s status, with one writing, “His Visa expired more than 2 years ago. Do rules matter or no?”
Another stated, “DHS says Kibret’s visa expired in May 2024. It’s now 2026,” and questioned the university’s role.
Others expressed support for the enforcement action, with comments including “So ICE is doing their job” and “We didn’t vote for some illegals to be deported; we voted for all illegals to be deported.”
Additional replies urged, “Deport him!” and “If so, then he should be deported immediately.”
The post remains part of a broader online conversation about recent immigration enforcement actions. Users continue to weigh the details raised in the senator’s message against the points made in the replies.
