Fatima Ameaka, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University originally from Cameroon, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at Baltimore Washington International Airport on Tuesday, August 1st, 2026. The university expressed it is "deeply concerned" about the situation.

According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, Ameaka overstayed a visa that expired on June 13, 2024. She will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. Ameaka is currently being held at a facility in Louisiana, according to her lawyer.

Johns Hopkins stated that Ameaka holds a doctoral degree in pharmacy and is employed at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is described as "a respected member of our community." The university is working to support Ameaka, including ensuring she has access to legal representation.

Tom Inglesby, director of the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health where Ameaka works, noted that she attended the university as a Fulbright Scholar and began working with the center two years ago. Her research focuses on improving responses to infectious disease outbreaks such as measles.

Documents obtained by ABC News indicate Ameaka had a work authorization permit valid until 2029 and a pending asylum case.

Colleagues describe Ameaka as an amazing, smart, committed, and funny person, and a beloved member of their center.

Sources