Honoring Voices: What We Know About the Real People Behind the Abductions, Deportations, and Silencing of Scholars, Students, and Political Targets

Before we dive into the lives of those who were wrongfully detained, deported, or targeted under the Trump administration, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the deeper truth behind these cases.

Think of sonder—that profound realization that every passerby is living a life as rich, complex, and vivid as your own. Each individual listed below is more than a headline. They had classrooms and routines. They laughed with friends, worried about bills, shared meals, applied for visas, raised children, fought for justice. They were studying, teaching, working, healing, building futures.

These are not just names. These are people. And their stories demand our attention.

With this lens, Academy St. presents these profiles—documented and sourced—not as abstractions, but as human stories of harm, resilience, and the urgent need for change.

Profiles of individuals who were wrongfully detained, deported, or targeted under the Trump administration, based on available reporting up to April 2025:

Wrongfully Deported or Detained Individuals

1. Kilmar Abrego García

Kilmar Abrego García, a Salvadoran national, had resided in Maryland for over a decade, building a life with his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, and their three children—all of whom have special needs. Their youngest son, born in 2019, is nonverbal, autistic, and has a hearing impairment, requiring consistent care and support. The family depended on Abrego García's presence for emotional and financial stability.

In March 2025, Abrego García was deported under the Alien Enemies Act, despite a 2019 court order granting him protection from removal due to credible threats from gangs in El Salvador. ICE later acknowledged the deportation as an administrative error. He was detained in El Salvador's CECOT prison, known for its harsh conditions. Although the U.S. Supreme Court ordered his return, the administration has yet to comply. His wife has expressed deep concern over the separation, emphasizing the challenges of raising their children without him and advocating for his safe return.​

2. Merwil Gutiérrez

Merwil Gutiérrez, a 19-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, was living with his father and cousin in the Bronx, New York, after legally entering the United States in 2023. They had fled Venezuela due to political and economic instability, seeking a safer and more stable life. Merwil had no criminal record and was awaiting a court date for his asylum claim scheduled for 2027.​

On February 24, 2025, Merwil was detained by ICE agents outside his apartment building. According to reports, the agents initially acknowledged that Merwil was not the individual they were seeking, but proceeded to detain him regardless. Despite having no gang affiliations or criminal history, he was deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, a law invoked by the Trump administration to expedite the removal of certain non-citizens. Merwil is currently held in El Salvador's CECOT prison, a facility known for its harsh conditions.​

His father, Wilmer Gutiérrez, has expressed profound distress over his son's detention, stating, "I feel like my son was kidnapped." He has struggled to obtain information about Merwil's case and has received no official documentation regarding his son's detention or deportation. The family's ordeal highlights concerns about due process and the treatment of individuals under immigration enforcement policies.

3. Anyelo Jose Sarabia

Anyelo Jose Sarabia, a 19-year-old Venezuelan asylum seeker, had been residing in Arlington, Texas, after fleeing the political and economic turmoil in his home country. In August 2024, he visited a local tattoo parlor to get a rose tattoo with petals made of money inked on his left hand—a design he chose simply because he thought it looked appealing. ​

In February 2025, during a routine check-in related to his asylum application, immigration officials questioned Sarabia about his tattoo. Despite having no criminal record or known affiliations with any gang, he was detained and subsequently deported to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act. This 1798 wartime law was invoked by the Trump administration to expedite the removal of individuals alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization. ​

Sarabia's family and legal advocates have vehemently denied any gang affiliations, asserting that the tattoo was purely decorative and held no criminal connotations. His sister expressed profound concern over his sudden detention and deportation, highlighting the lack of due process and the reliance on superficial indicators like tattoos for such serious allegations. ​

Currently, Sarabia is incarcerated in El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a facility known for its harsh conditions. His case underscores the broader issues surrounding the use of the Alien Enemies Act and the potential for misidentification and violation of due process rights in immigration enforcement.

4. Unnamed 260+ Venezuelan Men

In March 2025, the Trump administration deported over 260 Venezuelan men to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used wartime statute from 1798. The administration claimed the mass deportation was necessary due to suspected affiliations with the Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang. However, immigration advocates, journalists, and internal reports later revealed that many of these men had no criminal records, and several were in the middle of active asylum or immigration proceedings.

Some individuals were detained during routine check-ins with ICE, others after minor infractions, and a few—like Merwil Gutiérrez and Anyelo Sarabia—were swept up despite questionable or nonexistent ties to the gang. Due process protections were often ignored, and legal counsel was frequently denied or rushed. A leaked DHS document obtained by 60 Minutes and CBS News showed that at least 179 of the 260 deportees had no documented criminal activity.

Those deported were sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, the same maximum-security facility known for its mass detentions, overcrowded conditions, and international human rights concerns. Families in the U.S. have struggled to learn the whereabouts of their loved ones, while attorneys and watchdog organizations continue to petition for accountability and potential return.

This mass deportation has been widely condemned by civil liberties groups as an egregious overreach that criminalized people based on nationality, appearance, or hearsay—echoing historical patterns of scapegoating and state-sanctioned racial profiling.

Student Activists Targeted 

5. Mahmoud Khalil

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-American activist and lawful permanent resident, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March 2025. Khalil had been actively involved in pro-Palestinian campus protests at Columbia University, serving as a negotiator and spokesperson for student-led demonstrations advocating for Palestinian rights. His detention occurred despite his status as a green card holder and in the absence of any criminal charges.​

The U.S. government cited a provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, asserting that Khalil's presence was detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests. This decision was based on his participation in protests and alleged associations, which officials claimed could harm diplomatic relations. Khalil and his legal team have contested these claims, emphasizing that his activism was a lawful exercise of free speech and that he has no ties to any extremist organizations.​

Khalil's arrest has drawn significant attention and criticism from civil rights organizations, legal experts, and academic communities. Advocates argue that his detention represents a troubling precedent, where individuals may face immigration consequences for engaging in constitutionally protected activities. The case has sparked broader debates about the balance between national security considerations and the preservation of civil liberties, particularly concerning freedom of expression and the rights of non-citizens.​

At the time of his arrest, Khalil's wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, was eight months pregnant with their first child. She witnessed the arrest, which occurred without a warrant, and was threatened with arrest herself when she attempted to intervene. Dr. Abdalla, a U.S. citizen, has since been vocal in advocating for her husband's release, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of his detention on their family. In a heartfelt letter published by the ACLU, she expressed her anguish over the possibility that Khalil might not be present for the birth of their child, stating, "Every kick, every cramp, every small flutter I feel inside me serves as an inescapable reminder of the family we’ve dreamed of building together." 

Khalil's case underscores the human impact of immigration enforcement policies and raises critical questions about the intersection of national security, civil liberties, and family unity.​

6. Mohsen Mahdawi

Mohsen Mahdawi, a 26-year-old Palestinian student and legal U.S. permanent resident, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 14, 2025, during what he believed was his final naturalization interview in Colchester, Vermont. Born in the Far'a refugee camp in the West Bank, Mahdawi moved to the United States in 2014 and obtained his green card in 2015. He has been a student at Columbia University, majoring in philosophy, and was set to graduate in May 2025. He had also been accepted into a master's program at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs. ​

At Columbia, Mahdawi co-founded the Palestinian Student Union and was actively involved in organizing peaceful protests advocating for Palestinian rights. He was known for his commitment to non-violence and interfaith dialogue, often engaging with individuals across ideological lines, including pro-Israel advocates. In 2024, he stepped back from organizing to focus on fostering dialogue and denounced antisemitism in his activism. ​

Mahdawi's arrest occurred amidst a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism under the Trump administration. He had been targeted by right-wing groups like Betar US and Canary Mission, which had identified him as a deportation target. Despite having no criminal record, he was detained under a provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for the removal of individuals deemed detrimental to U.S. foreign policy. ​

Following his arrest, a federal judge in Vermont issued a temporary restraining order preventing his removal from the state or country. His attorneys argue that his detention is an unconstitutional attempt to silence political dissent. The case has drawn significant attention and criticism from civil rights organizations, legal experts, and academic communities, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech and due process violations. ​

Mahdawi's story underscores the human impact of immigration enforcement policies and highlights the challenges faced by individuals advocating for marginalized communities. His commitment to peaceful activism and dialogue serves as a testament to the values of empathy and justice.

7. Aditya Wahyu Harsono

Aditya Wahyu Harsono, a 33-year-old Indonesian national, has been a resident of Marshall, Minnesota, since 2015. He arrived in the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue higher education and successfully earned a master's degree in business administration from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2023. Post-graduation, Harsono was employed as a supply chain manager at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to gain practical experience in their field of study. ​

In October 2023, Harsono married Peyton, a U.S. citizen, and together they have an eight-month-old daughter, Adalet, who has special needs. The family was in the process of adjusting Harsono's immigration status through a pending green card application based on his marriage. ​

On March 27, 2025, Harsono was unexpectedly arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his workplace. The arrest was orchestrated through a staged meeting in the hospital's basement, where plainclothes agents detained him without prior notice. Harsono was unaware that his F-1 visa had been revoked just four days earlier, a decision made without informing him. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited a 2022 misdemeanor conviction for property damage—stemming from a graffiti incident—as the basis for revoking his visa and labeling him a public safety threat. Harsono had completed his probation and paid restitution for this offense. Additionally, DHS referenced a dismissed 2021 arrest related to a protest over the police killing of Daunte Wright, further raising concerns about potential political motivations behind his detention. 

An immigration judge initially granted Harsono a $5,000 bond; however, DHS promptly appealed the decision, resulting in an automatic stay and continued detention. His attorney, Sarah Gad, has expressed concern over the government's actions, suggesting that Harsono's political activism and support for humanitarian causes may have influenced the decision to detain him. ​

The Minnesota Nurses Association condemned the manner of Harsono's arrest, emphasizing that healthcare professionals should not participate in immigration enforcement activities. They reiterated their commitment to providing unbiased and confidential care to all patients, regardless of immigration status. 

Harsono's wife, Peyton, has publicly shared the emotional and financial hardships their family faces due to his detention, including the loss of income, health insurance, and the risk of losing their apartment. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek support and raise awareness about their situation.

Harsono's case is part of a broader trend of increased visa revocations and detentions under the Trump administration, particularly targeting international students and individuals involved in political activism. His next immigration hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2025, where he will have the opportunity to present his case for remaining in the United States with his family. 

8. Momodou Taal

Momodou Taal, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and The Gambia, was a doctoral candidate in Africana Studies at Cornell University. Known for his outspoken activism, Taal was deeply involved in pro-Palestinian movements on campus, advocating for the intersectionality of Black and Palestinian liberation. His activism included organizing protests and participating in demonstrations that called for institutional accountability and divestment from companies linked to military actions in Gaza.​

In March 2025, Taal became a focal point in the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of international students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. His student visa was revoked, and he received a notice to surrender to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. This action was part of a broader campaign where over 300 international students faced visa revocations due to alleged involvement in activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.

Taal, alongside two other Cornell affiliates, filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the executive orders underpinning these enforcement actions, arguing that they violated First and Fifth Amendment rights. Despite these legal efforts, a federal judge declined to halt his potential deportation, leading Taal to voluntarily leave the United States on March 31, 2025.

In a statement shared on social media, Taal expressed his decision to depart: "Given what we have seen across the United States, I have lost faith that a favorable ruling from the courts would guarantee my personal safety and ability to express my beliefs." He emphasized the chilling effect such governmental actions have on free speech and the academic freedom of international students. 

Taal's case has drawn significant attention from civil rights organizations, academic communities, and international observers, highlighting concerns over the suppression of dissent and the targeting of individuals based on their political beliefs and activism. His departure underscores the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies on academic freedom and the rights of non-citizens to engage in political discourse.

Professors and Scholars Targeted

9. Rasha Alawieh

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a 34-year-old Lebanese transplant nephrologist, was an assistant professor at Brown University. She earned her medical degree from the American University of Beirut in 2015 and completed fellowships at Ohio State University and the University of Washington. In March 2025, upon returning to the U.S. from Lebanon, she was detained at Boston Logan International Airport. Despite holding a valid H-1B visa and a federal judge's order blocking her removal, she was deported to Lebanon. Authorities cited photos on her phone of Hezbollah figures as the reason for her deportation. Colleagues and civil rights groups condemned the action, emphasizing her importance to the medical community and raising concerns about due process violations. ​

10. Badar Khan Suri

Dr. Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national and senior postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University's Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, was detained by ICE on March 17, 2025. He was approached by masked federal agents after attending a Ramadan meal. Authorities alleged his social media posts supported Palestine and cited an alleged past link between his father-in-law and Hamas as grounds for revoking his J-1 visa. Georgetown University officials stated they were not informed of any illegal activity. His detention sparked protests and letters from students and faculty demanding his release, highlighting concerns over academic freedom and due process. 

11. Dr. Annelise Orleck

Dr. Annelise Orleck, a history professor and former chair of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College, was arrested on May 1, 2024, during a peaceful student protest advocating for divestment from companies supporting Israel's military actions. She was charged with criminal trespass and temporarily banned from parts of the campus. Video footage showed her being forcefully arrested, leading to widespread criticism of the university's handling of the situation and raising concerns about the suppression of academic freedom and protest rights.

12. Dr. Tiffany Willoughby-Herard

Dr. Tiffany Willoughby-Herard, an associate professor at the University of California, Irvine, specializing in African American studies, was arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in May 2024. She faced multiple misdemeanor charges, including resisting arrest and failure to disperse. Dr. Willoughby-Herard reported injuries from her arrest and ongoing harassment. Her case drew significant attention, with over 8,000 people signing a petition for her charges to be dropped, and sparked broader discussions on university policies and responses to campus activism.

13. Dr. Andrew Ross and Dr. Sonya Posmentier

Professors Andrew Ross and Sonya Posmentier of New York University were arrested in December 2024 during a pro-Palestinian protest demanding the university divest from companies profiting from Israel's military actions. They were charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct and subsequently barred from entering certain NYU buildings. Their arrests and subsequent sanctions sparked debates about academic freedom and the university's handling of peaceful protests. 

14. Dr. Steve Tamari

Dr. Steve Tamari, a history professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was arrested on April 27, 2024, while documenting police arrests at a student encampment supporting Palestinian rights at Washington University in St. Louis. He was violently arrested, resulting in hospitalization with nine broken ribs and a broken hand. Footage of his arrest showed the severity of the police assault, leading to widespread condemnation from academic and human rights organizations. 

References

AP News. (2025). Immigration agents arrest Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests. https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-mahmoud-khalil-ice-15014bcbb921f21a9f704d5acdcae7a8

AP News. (2025). Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, immigration judge rules. https://apnews.com/article/mahmoud-khalil-columbia-protester-ruling-deport-fd9e80583af3109d7de0a5264e79ea61

Al Jazeera. (2025). US detains Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi at citizenship interview. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/15/palestinian-student-arrested-at-us-citizenship-interview-over-gaza-protests

CNN. (2025). Cornell student activist chooses to leave US after judge denies bid. https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/us/cornell-student-activist-deportation/index.html

Houston Chronicle. (2025, March 21). A Venezuelan in Texas thought his tattoo ‘looked cool.’ His sister says it’s why he was deported. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/tattoo-tren-de-aragua-deportation-trump-20232491.php

Reuters. (2025). US Supreme Court tells Trump administration to facilitate return of deportee sent to El Salvador in error. https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-upholds-order-facilitate-return-deportee-sent-el-salvador-error-2025-04-10/

Reuters. (2025). US State Department says deported Maryland resident 'alive and secure' in El Salvador. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-state-department-says-deported-maryland-resident-alive-secure-el-salvador-2025-04-13/

Reuters. (2025). Trump administration says it is not required to help wrongly deported man return to US. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-says-it-is-not-required-help-wrongly-deported-man-return-us-2025-04-14/

The Guardian. (2025). Georgetown alumni and students call for release of scholar detained by Ice. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/14/georgetown-professor-detained

The Guardian. (2025). Ice deports Venezuelan teen despite reportedly knowing he was not a target. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/15/merwil-gutierrez-venezuelan-teen-deported-el-salvador

The Guardian. (2025). Brown University professor deported despite judge's order, defying court. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/17/brown-university-rasha-alawieh-deported-lebanon

The Guardian. (2025). Indonesian student detained by Ice after US secretly revokes his visa. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/19/aditya-wahyu-harsono-immigration-indonesia

Vanity Fair. (2025). Supreme Court Blocks Trump Admin's Use Of Wartime Law To Deport Venezuelan Migrants, At Least For Now. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/supreme-court-blocks-trumps-use-of-wartime-law-for-deportation

OPB. (2025). A Palestinian activist expecting a US citizenship interview is arrested instead by ICE in Vermont. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/14/a-palestinian-activist-expecting-a-us-citizenship-interview-is-arrested-instead-by-ice-in-vermont/