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Award-winning pharmacy instructor detained by ICE at Dallas airport after conference

Aug 4, 2026 · Dallas, TX, Ethiopia

Award-winning pharmacy instructor detained by ICE at Dallas airport after conference

Berhanu Kibret, a pharmacy instructor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy since 2023, was detained by federal immigration agents at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on July 21, 2026, while returning from an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy conference where he had just been honored as a teacher of the year. Authorities alleged he was undocumented and had overstayed a visa that expired May 31, 2024, despite his holding valid work authorization. University of Maryland officials described him as "an effective and beloved teacher" and a "highly valued" colleague. Kibret remained in detention following the arrest. His detention occurred the same day Ecuadorian traveler Chantal Morales Rojas was detained at Denver International Airport, amid a broader increase in ICE enforcement activity at U.S. airports.

Timeline

Aug 19, 2026Report details broader ICE airport enforcement trend, referencing Kibret's arrest
Aug 4, 2026Report confirms Kibret remains in detention despite valid work authorization
Jul 21, 2026Detained by ICE agents at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport while returning from a pharmacy education conference
May 31, 2024Kibret's visa expired

Sources

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