Rutgers Student Detained By ICE

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A graduate student at Rutgers University was picked up and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March, both the Dept. of Homeland Security and Rutgers confirmed.

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

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"Rutgers University was informed by federal authorities that Joseph Adetola, a Rutgers graduate student, was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities following an off-campus arrest in East Orange on March 18," said a Rutgers spokeswoman.

The ICE enforcement did not occur on Rutgers property.

“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 an online fundraising effort 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 is a GoFundMe account created by Adetola's friends: gofundme.com/f/help-bring-joseph-adetola-home

And this post on Instagram was 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.

Prior: 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)