Detained Taubman Graduate Student Demands University Accountability

On April 1, 2026, ICE apprehended Philippe Kame, a graduate student from the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and he spent 26 days at the North Lake Processing Center in Baldwin, Michigan. Kame claims that the revocation of his teaching assistant role in January 2025 put his F-1 visa at risk, which resulted in his detention. He is now seeking guaranteed re-enrollment, a waiver for a $38,000 tuition fee, funding for his final academic year, and assistance with his legal status. The Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO) is filing a Step 3 grievance. Kame's situation sheds light on broader issues of institutional responsibility, as other architecture students and faculty have similarly encountered ICE detentions. He advocates for community strength and encourages international students to become politically active.