Rutgers Student Picked Up By ICE, Classmates Say

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A graduate student at Rutgers University was picked up and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently, according to student advocacy groups on campus.

The student is Joseph Adetola, who classmates say is currently enrolled in the Rutgers Engineering school and is six months away from completing his master’s degree.

He was detained by ICE recently, according to Alyssa Lee, a student in the Rutgers Young Democratic Socialists of America club.

However, Lee said she did not know when asked on what date and where Adetola was detained. Nor could she answer when asked what country he is originally from and where he is being held currently.

An ICE media spokesperson could not immediately confirm it had detained Adetola.

However, this GoFundMe account created by Adetola's friends said he was detained: gofundme.com/f/help-bring-joseph-adetola-home

As does an Instagram page, which is seeking money to have him released on bail: instagram.com/p/DX7YauWFJ2V/?img_index=3&igsh=dWwwbmx2dzlneHJ2

"Joseph has been detained by ICE despite having no criminal history," the GoFundMe page read. "Joseph Adetola is a dedicated Rutgers Engineering student and my friend from work. I had the privilege of working alongside Joseph as a brand ambassador, where I saw firsthand his professionalism, kindness, and strong work ethic. He is reliable, respectful, and someone who truly shows up for others ... To see his future put on hold so suddenly has been devastating for all of us who know and care about him."

He is currently receiving free legal aid and financial assistance from the Rutgers Law Clinic.

"Joseph’s bond has been set at a significant amount, and we are still short of bringing him home," the GoFundMe page read. "We are facing an urgent deadline: the full bond must be paid soon in order to secure his release."

Students Want Rutgers Declared A Sanctuary Campus: Rutgers said ICE agents are allowed on campus, but they are instructing students to call Rutgers Police if agents appear. (February 2026)