University presses for release of California nursing professor held by ICE
University of San Francisco colleagues, students and local lawmakers are seeking Ann Lawani’s release as her lawyer challenges her detention in federal court.
By Amina Howard ·
The University of San Francisco is intensifying efforts to secure the release of nursing professor Ann Lawani, nearly two months after immigration agents arrested her at her home in Lodi, California. Since her September arrest, Lawani has been moved through detention facilities in California, Texas and Louisiana, with limited clarity surrounding the transfers.
Lawani, 39, arrived in the United States in 2007 and built a nursing career, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate before entering academia. At the university, she leads a master’s entry program for students whose backgrounds are outside nursing and a bachelor’s program for those planning to work in public health safety-net institutions. Nursing school dean Eileen Fry-Bowers said her work brings her into regular contact with almost 300 students.
Students and colleagues say her absence has left a significant gap on campus. Casey Murray, a nursing science graduate student, recalled an approachable teacher who remembered students’ first and last names even when she had not seen them since orientation. With 37 days remaining before graduation, Murray said students wanted Lawani to attend the ceremony and return to her family.
Federal immigration authorities say Lawani overstayed the visitor’s visa on which she entered the country in 2007. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said she received a final removal order in August 2013. Her lawyer, Natalia Santanna, confirmed that order but disputed the completeness of the department’s explanation.
According to Santanna, Lawani sought asylum within a year of arriving in the United States. The lawyer said the immigration judge who issued the 2013 order also determined that Lawani would more likely than not face persecution in Nigeria and granted withholding of removal. Santanna said that protection continues to prevent her removal to Nigeria and has been the basis for her residence in the United States since 2013.
Santanna said a habeas petition contesting the legality of Lawani’s detention is pending in California’s eastern district court. Meanwhile, her university community and local lawmakers have continued pressing immigration authorities over her case.
Fry-Bowers learned of the detention through a text Lawani sent shortly after her arrest. The dean, who was on vacation, also heard from another dean that Lawani had missed a meeting, an absence she considered unusual. After contact with Lawani’s family, the university helped arrange legal representation and raised concerns with the area’s congressional delegation.
In late October, Josh Harder, the congressman representing Lawani’s district, wrote to DHS secretary Markwayne Mullin. He questioned the lack of advance notice of her arrest and why her changing locations were not reflected in an online detainee database. Citing her longstanding compliance, lack of criminal history and community ties, Harder argued there was no apparent public safety reason to keep her detained thousands of miles from home during her case.
Fry-Bowers also highlighted Lawani’s hospice and palliative care work, describing her commitment to preserving vulnerable patients’ dignity and comfort near the end of life. The dean said Lawani would be among her first choices to care for herself or a family member.
