By Brianna Wallen
Editor-in-Chief
A university student-athlete was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities while traveling through Tweed New Haven Airport on Sept. 4, according to an campus-wide announcement on Thursday, Sept. 10.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed the arrest in an email to The Independent on Sept. 8, and identified the student as Deng Deng.
“Our primary focus is our student’s well-being,” Interim President Bulmer said. “We have communicated with the student and those supporting him, and the university is assisting as appropriate.”
Deng is from South Sudan and was set to begin his freshman season with the university’s Men’s basketball team. He previously played basketball at Linden High School in New Jersey.
According to ICE’s online detainee locator, Deng is currently being held at the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.
Ken Sweeten, associate director of athletics and athletic communications, said the university is communicating with Deng and those supporting him.
“We are aware that one of our students was detained by immigration authorities over the holiday weekend while traveling off campus,” Sweeten said. “The university is in contact with the student and those supporting them and is assisting where appropriate.”
Bulmer said the university will continue to pay attention to the situation as the legal process moves forward.
“We will remain attentive to the situation throughout the ongoing process,” Bulmer said.
Bulmer’s announcement also addressed concerns that the detention could create among students and other members of the campus community.
“We understand that news of this nature can bring uncertainty, concern and fear, particularly for members of our community who may feel personally affected,” Bulmer said.
Bulmer noted that the university will continue to support students and staff.
“Please know that Southern is committed to maintaining an environment where every member of our community is treated with compassion, dignity and respect,” Bulmer said.
Since Deng’s case involves an ongoing legal process, Bulmer asked community members to be mindful when discussing the situation.
“We also know situations like this can leave people with questions we aren’t able to answer,” Bulmer said. “Because this matter involves an ongoing legal process and an individual student, we ask our community to be mindful and to avoid actions that could inadvertently complicate efforts underway on the student’s behalf.”
Students who need support can contact Counseling Services or the Dean of Students.
The university also directed students to resources for undocumented students and provided information about the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities policy regarding undocumented students.
Bulmer encouraged members of the university community to support one another while the situation continues.
“Southern is a community built on belonging, opportunity, and respect for the dignity of every person,” Bulmer said. “In this moment, I ask that we extend compassion to our student and show care for one another.”
Esteban Garcia, chair of the DREAMers Action Alliance, said the student organization stands with Deng, his family and other immigrant students at the university.
“To our fellow Owls, the Dreamers Action Alliance stands in solidarity with our student who was detained, their family, and every single immigrant student here at Southern,” Garcia said. “You belong in our classrooms, you belong on this campus, and no one should ever have to come to school living in fear.”
Garcia emphasized the importance of creating a campus where immigrant students feel supported and welcome.
“Education is a right, and our campus must remain a safe, welcoming place for all of us to learn and grow without being targeted,” Garcia said.
The DREAMers Action Alliance is also encouraging students who need support to reach out to the organization and use the university’s available resources.
“If you or someone you know needs support, guidance, or just a safe place to connect, please reach out to us,” Garcia said. “We are in this together, and you are not alone.”
