University of San Francisco urges release of detained nurse and professor

Nearly two months after ICE agents removed Ann Lawani from her home in Lodi, the University of San Francisco’s nursing school has intensified calls for her release. Lawani, a California nurse and professor, was arrested in September and has since been moved between detention centers in California, Texas and Louisiana, according to the Guardian.

The removal sparked a large outcry among students and faculty at her university, who have been vocal about the case. "She needs to come home," said Eileen Fry-Bowers, dean of the nursing school, referring to Lawani’s detention.

Lawani’s transfers have been described as opaque, with little public information about her whereabouts. The university’s renewed appeals add pressure on immigration authorities to clarify her status and consider her release.

Why it matters

The case highlights how immigration enforcement can disrupt the lives of healthcare professionals and affect academic communities.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

13 Nov 2026, 05:49 IST

Key names

California, ICE, Ann Lawani, Nearly

Section

Lifestyle

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianCalls grow for release of beloved California nurse detained by ICE: ‘We want her home’ 13 Nov, 05:49

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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