ICE detains University of Maryland “Teacher of the Year” Berhanu Kibret following a professional conference in Dallas. The university says its pharmacy instructor holds valid work authorization, while federal officials accuse him of overstaying his visa, reports the Baltimore Chronicle.
Why ICE detained Berhanu Kibret
Immigration officers arrested Kibret at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on July 21. He was returning from an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy meeting.
At the conference, Kibret was recognized as a Teacher of the Year. The program honors faculty selected by participating pharmacy schools.
According to a DHS statement published by CBS News Baltimore, Kibret entered the United States in June 2021. Officials said his visa expired on May 31, 2024.
DHS described him as unlawfully present and said he would remain detained during immigration proceedings. The agency also promoted voluntary departure through the CBP Home application.
University disputes the picture presented by DHS
The University of Maryland, Baltimore said Kibret possesses valid work authorization. However, employment authorization does not automatically settle every question involving immigration status.
The university called the arrest “greatly troubling” and described Kibret as a respected colleague and effective teacher. Officials hope the dispute will be resolved quickly.
The main positions in the case currently differ:
| Party | Public position |
|---|---|
| DHS | Kibret overstayed a visa that expired in 2024 |
| University of Maryland | Kibret has valid work authorization |
| Current status | He remains in ICE custody pending proceedings |
The available statements do not explain which immigration application produced Kibret’s work permit. No court ruling on his status has been reported.
Who is Berhanu Kibret
Kibret joined the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy faculty in 2023. He previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at William Paterson University.
His academic work covers:
- cannabinoid receptors;
- addiction and behavioral pharmacology;
- neuroimmune processes;
- neurological effects linked to substance abuse.
The university’s faculty directory identifies him as an instructor of pharmaceutical sciences. His research examines the endocannabinoid system and CB2 receptors.
His detention has also caused concern among international faculty members. The case places renewed attention on airport immigration enforcement and conflicting federal records.
Another Maryland researcher was detained at an airport
Kibret’s arrest followed another case involving a Maryland academic. ICE detained Johns Hopkins researcher Fatima Ameaka at BWI Airport on July 28.
Ameaka was later released and returned to Maryland. Her attorney said she held valid work authorization and had a pending asylum application. DHS had accused her of overstaying a visa.
Both cases involve researchers whose employers reported valid employment authorization. However, each immigration proceeding must be considered separately.
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