St. Louis Park, Minnesota — Two Indian students on F1 visas were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at an Indian restaurant on January 16, 2026, triggering widespread concern among the Indian student community across America.
The incident marks an escalation in Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, with ICE now specifically targeting international students who work illegally off-campus. The detentions highlight the growing risks Indian students face while pursuing higher education in the United States.
Key Facts
• Two Indian students were detained at an Indian restaurant in St. Louis Park, Minnesota on January 16, 2026, during an ICE workplace raid
• F1 student visa holders are legally permitted to work only on-campus, maximum 20 hours per week during semesters; off-campus employment without authorization violates visa terms
• Both students were released after verification of their legal status, but the incident sparked urgent warnings from Indian community groups and immigration experts across the nation
The two Indian students were taken into custody after ICE officers conducted a surprise inspection at the restaurant and questioned workers about their employment status. According to preliminary reports, the students were suspected of violating their F1 visa terms by working off-campus without proper authorization.
Immigration officials verified their documents and released them after several hours, though no official charges were filed.
The viral video of the detention sparked immediate alarm within Indian diaspora communities nationwide. Multiple NRI groups circulated warnings on social media urging Indian students to avoid part-time restaurant jobs, emphasizing that such employment violates visa conditions and can result in serious legal consequences.
Community leaders stressed that even cash-in-hand arrangements at restaurants, malls, motels, and gas stations constitute serious visa violations.
The detention underscores the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement. Since January 2025, thousands of arrests have been made across multiple states, with ICE significantly expanding its enforcement scope beyond individuals with criminal convictions.
The agency is now actively targeting workplaces and conducting raids specifically to identify visa compliance violations among international students.
Indian students come to America in large numbers annually—hundreds of thousands pursue higher education on F1 visas. Many face financial pressure and take illegal part-time jobs to cover living expenses while studying.
However, immigration experts warn that such violations can lead to F1 status loss, visa cancellation, detention, and deportation, with lasting consequences for future immigration to the United States.
The incident in Minnesota coincides with broader ICE enforcement operations in the state targeting multiple demographics and establishments. Democrats and civil rights groups have criticized the scale and intensity of these operations, citing concerns about excessive force and community disruption.
Immigration attorneys are advising students to strictly comply with visa regulations to avoid life-altering consequences.
Indian students should understand that maintaining F1 visa status requires strict adherence to employment regulations. The path forward involves on-campus employment through university work-study programs, curricular practical training (CPT), or optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Students considering any employment must verify its legality with their designated school official (DSO) before accepting any position.
Do You Know?
F1 students from India represent one of the largest international student populations in America, with over 250,000 Indian nationals currently studying in U.S. universities. The stakes are particularly high for this community because visa violations not only result in immediate deportation but also create permanent bars to future U.S. immigration, affecting career prospects and family reunification for years to come.
Key Terms
• F1 Visa: A student visa that allows international students to pursue academic studies in the United States; employment is strictly limited and regulated
• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, detention, and deportation operations in the United States
• Visa Compliance: Following all terms and conditions of one's visa status; violations can result in status loss and deportation
• Designated School Official (DSO): University administrator who manages international student compliance and can authorize certain employment options
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Authorized off-campus employment directly related to a student's field of study
Asia91 Original