Student Visa Holder Self-Deports After ‘Inhumane’ ICE Conditions

A former international student from Bangladesh told Newsweek he self-deported from the United States after months in immigration detention that he described as “inhumane.”

Federal officials dispute his account, saying he was subject to standard enforcement procedures and received appropriate care while in custody.

Joytu Chowdhury, a 24-year-old former student at Illinois Wesleyan University majoring in finance with a minor in computer science, said he self-deported on February 26 after what he described as a prolonged and emotionally taxing immigration process.

Chowdhury entered the United States on an F-1 student visa in December 2021 and said he was pursuing a path toward completing his studies and continuing legal immigration processes, including potential permanent residency options.

“In August 2025, his student visa status was terminated. Chowdhury’s criminal history includes convictions for driving under the influence and retail theft,” a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Newsweek.

“My visa status was terminated due to transferring between schools, which led to a temporary lapse in maintaining my SEVIS record. I was working to resolve this and return to compliance,” Chowdhury told Newsweek.

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Chowdhury said of his previous convictions: “I take full responsibility for my actions, and I deeply regret those decisions. They do not reflect who I am today or the direction I am committed to moving in. I would also like to respectfully clarify that these matters are still in process and are expected to be resolved/dismissed, so I hope that context can be reflected to ensure an accurate and fair representation.”

He said he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on December 3 in Illinois’ Bloomington-Normal area while driving to pick up his younger brother from a train station. He added that multiple unmarked vehicles followed him before police activated emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop.

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Chowdhury said the conditions played a significant role in his decision to leave the country.

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Now in Bangladesh, Chowdhury said he is staying with his family in Chittagong while attempting to rebuild his life.

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