Student self-deports after months in US immigration detention; DHS denies allegations

Washington: A Bangladeshi student has returned home after spending several months in US immigration detention, alleging difficult conditions and an unclear legal process.

US authorities strongly denied the claims, saying standard procedures were followed throughout

The 24-year-old student (name withheld on request), said he left the United States on February 26 after what he described as a long and emotionally draining period in custody. The student, who studied finance with a minor in computer science at Illinois Wesleyan University, spoke to Newsweek about his experience.

He entered the United States in December 2021 on an F-1 student visa. He said he continued his education while exploring legal immigration options, including the possibility of permanent residency, before his visa status was terminated in August 2025.

Legal issues and SEVIS record lapse

The Department of Homeland Security said the student’s record includes convictions for driving under the influence and retail theft. While acknowledging the incidents, he expressed regret, adding that the cases are ongoing and may be resolved or dismissed.

According to Newsweek, the Bangladeshi student attributed the termination of his visa to a lapse in maintaining his SEVIS record during a transfer between institutions.

SEVIS is a federal system used to track international students’ visa status and academic enrollment.

Arrest and detention

He said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained him December 3 in Illinois while he was on his way to pick up his younger brother. He described the arrest as sudden and distressing, alleging that unmarked vehicles followed him before a traffic stop.

DHS confirmed the arrest, calling it part of routine enforcement and noting he was subject to removal proceedings.

He said he was transferred between multiple detention facilities in Missouri, Indiana and Illinois, often without explanation, leaving him disoriented.

The student also alleged poor conditions, including overcrowding, lack of privacy, poor-quality food and inconsistent access to drinking water. He raised concerns about limited medical care, particularly for ADHD, anxiety and depression.

“It didn’t feel like a place meant for people waiting on immigration cases. It felt like punishment,” he told the publication.

DHS denied the allegations, saying ICE detention centers operate at standards higher than most US prisons and provide comprehensive medical care.

Decision to self-deport

The student said this experience led him to withdraw his legal case and opt for voluntary departure, citing emotional and mental exhaustion.

“I reached a point where I felt completely broken, exhausted, overwhelmed and uncertain about everything,” he said. “Eventually, I chose to self-deport … because I felt like I had no other choice.”

Travel dispute

He criticised the departure process as disorganised and costly, saying he had to buy flight tickets more than once without refunds.

DHS disputed that account, saying he initially failed to purchase a ticket and was later denied boarding on a February 20 flight for lacking a required passport for transit. The agency said a new ticket was arranged for February 25 at no cost.

Return home

Now back in Chittagong, Bangladesh, he is living with family and trying to rebuild his life. He said being separated from his wife, Ashley Yamilet, has been especially difficult.

“I didn’t just leave a country; I left behind years of hard work, relationships and the life I was building,” he said.