If you are in the U.S. on a student or work visa, even a single drunk driving offense could lead to the cancellation of your visa. That’s the hard lesson a University of Minnesota graduate student recently learned, as their arrest by immigration authorities sparked protests and renewed debate about visa revocations.
The student, enrolled at the university’s business school in Minneapolis and holding an F-1 visa, was detained last Thursday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at an off-campus residence.
While initial speculation linked the arrest to ongoing campus protests, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security later clarified that the incident was unrelated to any political activity.
Arrest Tied to DUI, Not Campus Protests
“This is not related to student protests,” DHS said in a statement. “The individual was arrested after the State Department revoked their visa due to a prior criminal history involving Driving Under the Influence (DUI).”
Immigration experts warn that visa holders must understand how strictly the U.S. handles DUI offenses. Even without a conviction, an arrest alone can trigger visa cancellation.
“In the U.S., visas can be revoked for offenses like drunk driving,” said Ketan Mukhija, senior partner at Burgeon Law. “Under the U.S. State Department’s prudential revocation policy, even a single DUI arrest can result in visa cancellation.”
Ajay Sharma, an immigration expert, explained that these consequences extend beyond student visas. “Drunk driving is taken very seriously in countries like the U.S. Repeated DUI offenses can lead to the revocation of permanent residency as well,” he said.
He pointed out that students transitioning from visas to work permits or green cards are especially vulnerable.
“Even during Optional Practical Training (OPT), a DUI can lead to green card application denial,” Sharma added.
Mukhija emphasized the broader risks: “Green Card holders may face deportation for multiple offenses, while international students risk immediate visa revocation. Non-citizen immigrants can be declared inadmissible or face removal. U.S. citizens, however, face only legal penalties — not immigration consequences.”
Student’s Detention Still Shrouded in Mystery
Despite the official explanation, the University of Minnesota has yet to receive formal communication from immigration authorities.
In a letter to the campus community, Minnesota State University Mankato President Edward Inch expressed concern:
“No reason was given. The university has received no information from ICE, nor have they requested any from us. I’ve contacted elected officials to express concern and seek assistance in stopping such actions against our students.”
U.S. Senator Tina Smith also voiced alarm, calling it part of a troubling trend.
“This is becoming a deeply concerning pattern, where ICE detains students with little to no explanation and disregards their right to due process,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ll continue pressing the administration for answers.”
So far, neither the University of Minnesota nor Minnesota State University Mankato has disclosed the student’s identity or nationality.
Over 300 Student Visas Canceled
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of international students in the U.S., especially those involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Over 300 student visas have been canceled in recent weeks, according to government sources.
While political activism may be in the spotlight, the Minnesota case is a stark reminder that even non-political offenses — such as DUI — can have life-changing immigration consequences.
