Lawmakers outraged over ICE detention of UB researcher
Jan 13, 2026·Location: Buffalo, NY
Country of origin: Azerbaijan

Shovgi Huseynov, a UB medical researcher from Azerbaijan, was detained by ICE after making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge on January 7 and crossing into Canada. Upon his return to the United States, border agents arrested him. ICE claims he was in the country illegally on an expired visa, but his attorney states he applied for permanent legal status while his visa was active, which provides authorized stay, and he has valid work authorization through 2029. Multiple state and local officials, including Rep. Tim Kennedy, have condemned his detention and called for his immediate release.
Sources
- eu.democratandchronicle.com
- UB researcher released from ICE custody after three weeks
ubspectrum.com·Feb 14, 2026·archived copy
- University at Buffalo researcher out of ICE detention, returns home
investigativepost.org·Feb 2, 2026·archived copy
- Wrong turn on Peace Bridge lands UB researcher in ICE detention
investigativepost.org·Jan 14, 2026·archived copy
- WGRZ
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