Cornell University threatens funding for students facing ICE scrutiny

Cornell University is reportedly threatening to withdraw funding from two graduate students, Momodou Taal and Amandla Thomas-Johnson, unless they return to the United States to teach on campus this fall.

The students, who are involved in pro-Palestine activism, are currently abroad to avoid potential detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They had previously been told by the university that they could complete their degrees with funding while studying abroad. However, the university has now reversed this stance, requiring their physical presence in Ithaca, New York.

Taal and Thomas-Johnson fled to Cairo following inquiries by Homeland Security Investigations. Taal’s attorney noted that while the existence of a formal deportation order is unclear, ICE has launched inquiries into both individuals. Taal expressed concern that the university’s demand may effectively force them to return to the U.S. only to face arrest upon arrival.