UPDATE: OU Professor Released After DHS Detention
- mike33692
- 21 hours ago
- 1 min read
OU Professor Says DHS Detention Was “Deeply Distressing”
A University of Oklahoma professor, Dr. Vahid Abedini, says he is recovering from what he called a “deeply distressing” encounter after he was detained by the Department of Homeland Security while preparing to board a flight to Washington, D.C.
DHS Calls It “Standard Questioning”
Federal officials did not release details, stating only that Abedini was detained briefly for a routine screening process. No charges were filed, and Abedini was released the same day.
H-1B Visa Common Among University Faculty
OU confirmed Abedini holds a valid H-1B visa, a work visa widely used by colleges and universities for specialized instructors, researchers, and faculty members. The visa category is tightly regulated and routinely includes travel documentation checks.
Abedini Thanks Academic Community
Following his release, Abedini issued a public statement thanking colleagues at OU, the broader Iranian studies community, and friends who helped quickly resolve the situation. He did not share details of the questioning.