Aditya Wahyu Harsono, an Indonesian father of an infant with special needs, faced a sudden and distressing situation when federal agents detained him at his workplace in Minnesota. Harsono’s student visa had been revoked without notice, leading to his arrest just four days later. Despite his attorney’s plea for dismissal on humanitarian grounds, Judge Sarah Mazzie ruled that the case against Harsono would proceed, with a hearing scheduled for 1 May.

Harsono, a supply-chain manager at a hospital in Minnesota and married to a US citizen, was taken into custody at his workplace basement under deceptive circumstances orchestrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents. The revocation of his visa was allegedly based on a misdemeanor conviction for graffiti, a non-deportable offense, and an arrest during a protest in 2021 that was ultimately dismissed.

The detainment of Harsono, who actively supports humanitarian causes and runs a non-profit, has left his wife and infant daughter devastated. Despite being granted a bond, an appeal filed by the Department of Homeland Security led to a stay, prolonging his detention. This move, typically reserved for serious offenses, has raised concerns about the government’s handling of his case.

As Harsono’s legal battle continues, his community has rallied support through a GoFundMe campaign, highlighting the financial strain and emotional turmoil the family faces. His case reflects a broader trend of student visa revocations under the Trump administration, impacting hundreds of scholars and raising questions about the government’s immigration enforcement tactics.