News from the South - Alabama News Feed
University of Alabama student detained by ICE moved to Louisiana
by Alander Rocha, Alabama Reflector
March 28, 2025
Federal immigration officials have moved an an University of Alabama graduate student to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.
An attorney for Alireza Doroudi confirmed Friday afternoon after the ICE detainee locator listed where he was detained. For several days, the detainee locator only stated he was “in ICE custody” but did not list any location. The facility in Jena is holding several international students targeted by federal authorities.
David Rozas, Doroudi’s attorney, disputed claims by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that his client posed a national security concern.
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Doroudi, an Iranian national pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering, was taken into custody by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit on Tuesday around 3 a.m., Rozas said in a statement sent on Friday. Immigration authorities cited the U.S. State Department’s revocation of Doroudi’s student visa as the reason for his arrest.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Doroudi “posed significant national security concerns.” The spokesperson declined to provide further details about what the concerns were, saying “That is all we are able to share at this time.”
Rozas challenged that characterization, saying he was unaware “of any allegations concerning significant national security issues.”
“He has not been arrested for any crime, nor has he participated in any anti-government protests,” the statement from Rozas said. “He is legally present in the U.S., pursuing his American dream by working towards his doctorate in mechanical engineering.”
Rozas added that Doroudi’s student visa was still active and that he was in the early stages of applying for permanent residency as a researcher.
Student organizers from the Students for Justice in Palestine, a student organization at UA, said Thursday that Doroudi had no involvement in recent pro-Palestine protests at the university or with the organization.
Doroudi’s fiancé, Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani, started a GoFundMe to help cover his legal expenses, garnering over $21,000 in about a day. She said in a LinkedIn post that Doroudi’s is set to defend his dissertation next academic year and has been “fully engaged” in academic work and research projects in the department.
“His dedication and achievements have earned him recognition in his field and led to his selection to apply for permanent residency,” she wrote in a post.
The University of Alabama has not provided further details about the situation. Spokesperson Alex House did not respond to messages Friday after initially stating that the university was cooperating with immigration authorities. House did not address whether the university was offering Doroudi any assistance.
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Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Brian Lyman for questions: info@alabamareflector.com.
The post University of Alabama student detained by ICE moved to Louisiana appeared first on alabamareflector.com
News from the South - Alabama News Feed
A very dry September forecast with hot afternoons ahead for Alabama.
SUMMARY: Alabama faces a very dry September with hot afternoons continuing through the last week of summer before the autumnal equinox. Sunday begins comfortably cool in the 60s, warming to low 90s by mid-afternoon under mostly sunny skies. A weak wave may bring a few showers tonight, mainly to northwest Alabama, but widespread rain is unlikely. Temperatures will remain above average, hitting mid-90s Tuesday and Wednesday. By next weekend, a trough and front may increase cloud cover and rain chances slightly, potentially lowering temperatures closer to average. Overall, the forecast calls for persistent dry and warm conditions into next week.
A very dry September forecast with hot afternoons ahead for Alabama.
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News from the South - Alabama News Feed
Huntsville Fire & Rescue Holds 9/11 Memorial Service | Sept. 11, 2025 | News 19 at 5 p.m.
SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, Huntsville Fire & Rescue held a memorial service to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Military members and first responders gathered at Huntsville Fire Station One, where at 7:46 a.m., lights, sirens, and air horns sounded to replicate the sounds heard during the attacks. Fire Chief Howard McFarland emphasized the importance of remembering the tragedy to educate younger generations and prevent history from repeating. Former Captain Lynn recalled the shock of witnessing the attacks and noted how 9/11 reshaped emergency preparedness. This annual event is held across all 20 Huntsville fire stations.
The Huntsville Fire & Rescue held a 9/11 memorial service.
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News from the South - Alabama News Feed
News 5 NOW at 8:00am | September 11, 2025
SUMMARY: On September 11, 2025, News 5 NOW covered 9/11 commemorations, including first responders climbing 2,000 steps at Hancock Whitney Stadium to honor the World Trade Center’s 110 stories. The Original Oyster House offered free meals to first responders in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The program also reported a new Vibrio bacterial infection case in Escambia County, highlighting health warnings for beachgoers. Additionally, they discussed a study linking chronic insomnia to increased dementia risk, election recounts in Gulf Shores, and a recent political shooting in Utah, sparking debate over harsher punishments for political violence. Viewer opinions on extraterrestrials and political violence were shared in an interactive social media segment.
First Responders in Mobile honored the heroes of September 11th, a Pensacola woman is in the hospital after being infected with the flesh eating bacteria vibrio vulnificus, and a vote re-count wrapped up in Gulf Shores…
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