Nigerian-Born US Professor Detained by ICE in Louisiana

According to a report by Fox News on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Nigerian-born nursing professor and Bay Area nurse, Dr Ann Lawani, remains in the custody of US immigration authorities following her detention in California.

Lawani, 39, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at her home in Lodi, California, about eight weeks ago.

She was reportedly taken away in shackles and later transferred through detention facilities in Stockton and El Paso, Texas, before being moved to the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

Her detention has prompted calls from relatives, university colleagues and US Representative Josh Harder for her release. Harder, a California Democrat, said Lawani had been granted withholding of removal because she faced persecution in Nigeria.

In an October 20 letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the congressman cited her lack of a criminal record, compliance with immigration requirements and strong community ties. He urged authorities to release her under an order of supervision and return her to California.

Harder also raised concerns that Lawani’s details were missing from ICE’s online detainee locator. KQED reported that the omission was linked to a policy affecting people with final removal orders.

The congressman further alleged that ICE was pursuing her removal to an undisclosed third country without providing the necessary documentation to her or her lawyer.

He asked the department to disclose the proposed destination, provide supporting travel documents and explain why she remained detained.

The Department of Homeland Security had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

Before her detention, Lawani supervised about 230 nursing students in the University of San Francisco’s master’s programme. She also worked weekends in the cardiovascular stroke unit at John Muir Health.

Her areas of specialisation include palliative and hospice care. She also cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped look after her 83-year-old father, who is currently hospitalised.

University officials said her absence had affected student mentoring, accreditation-related curriculum work and partnerships supporting vulnerable communities.

Eileen Fry-Bowers, dean of the university’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, expressed concern over her continued detention.

“I’m appalled that an individual like Dr. Lawani is in this circumstance. She’s one of the finest nurses that I know,” Fry-Bowers said.

University President Salvador Aceves told the campus community on Tuesday, November 10, that Lawani and her family had initially preferred to keep the matter private but had since decided to make it public.

Her brother, Samuel Lawani, also appealed for her safe return.

“My family and I want to see my sister returned home safely and as soon as possible,” he said.

The New York Times also featured her case in a November 10 report examining changes to deportation procedures and their impact on detainees missing from ICE’s public locator system.

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