ICE Gives More Information About Rutgers Student It Detained

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — On Thursday, a media spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shed new details about the Rutgers graduate student detained by immigration agents in March.

Joseph Adetola, currently enrolled in the Rutgers Engineering school, was taken into ICE custody March 18, Rutgers said previously.

ICE took him into custody in East Orange.

“Joseph Opeyemi Adetola, an illegal alien from Nigeria, entered the United States on June 21, 2022, on an exchange visa that was only valid until September 30, 2022," a DHS media spokesperson said Thursday. "Against our nation’s laws, he overstayed his visa and remained illegally in the country. On March 18, ICE law enforcement officers arrested Adetola for violation of our federal immigration laws."

Adetola is now out of ICE custody. In part due to online fundraising and free legal aid and financial assistance from the Rutgers Law Clinic, he was released May 6 on a bail bond, with a date to appear in court.

"On May 6, he was granted bond by an immigration judge," ICE confirmed. "He will receive full due process, and all of his claims will be heard by an immigration judge."

This GoFundMe page started for him read:

"Joseph has been detained by ICE despite having no criminal history. Joseph Adetola is a dedicated Rutgers Engineering student ... to see his future put on hold so suddenly has been devastating for all of us who know and care about him.

He is six months away from completing his master’s degree, the page read.

ICE continued:

“We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”

Original Patch report on Adetola: Rutgers Student Detained By ICE (May 6)