Over the last month, ICE has engaged in a troubling and unlawful course of conduct, terminating thousands of international students’ ability to continue their school and employment despite the students having followed all rules applicable to their programs. ICE, with coordination from the Department of State, terminated students’ “SEVIS” records which effectively ended all ability to maintain lawful status in the U.S. and caused schools to advise students to cease classes and employment, and to leave the country.
Reeves Immigration Law Group Partner Ben Loveman represents an impacted student and filed a lawsuit against ICE in Federal District Court seeking reversal of the unlawful action. While the case is not fully resolved, the judges in the case have granted important preliminary protection and, most recently, on May 14, 2025, granted plaintiff’s request for a preliminary injunction, which prohibits ICE from terminating her status for unlawful reasons and enjoins ICE from arresting or seeking to transfer her out of the jurisdiction.
In an exclusive with ABC7, Mr. Loveman explained, “She was obviously confused. She’s been following all the rules. She reaches out to us, and we tell her what (the government) is doing is illegal. Unfortunately, the only way we can remedy the situation is to go to federal court and ask a judge to order the government to follow the law.”
In related cases heard the same day, plaintiffs also requested that the judge grant nationwide relief, meaning that the order could be extended to protect students across the country. ICE’s recent treatment of international students, talented aspiring professionals who have paid thousands of dollars and traveled across the globe to learn and contribute to our country, is deeply troubling, and there are indications that ICE will continue to look for ways to unlawfully target foreign students and the universities that host them.
“We had orders from around the country from judges who have said essentially everything they’ve done so far is illegal.” Mr. Loveman told ABC7.
The case is W.B. v. Noem, et al. The Court also granted our clients request to proceed anonymously so as to prevent possible retaliation from the government or members of the public.
Update:
As of Thursday, May 22, 2025, the court sided in favor of Reeves Immigration Law Group on behalf of their student immigrant clients, granting a nationwide injunction that prevents the arrests and incarceration of individuals nationwide and reverse wrongful termination of SEVIS records.
Contact An Immigration Attorney
If you or a loved one is impacted by these ongoing issues, the best thing you can do is reach out to an experienced immigration attorney to help understand your rights and options. Reeves Immigration Law Group stands ready to continue to fight on behalf of our client and the rights of international students in this and related cases.
To read more press coverage of this case, click here.
