MSU Mankato reassures international student body

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Just days after a student was detained by ICE, MSU-Mankato has a message for its entire student body and beyond. School leaders are looking to reassure all their students.

Last Friday saw a student at MSU Mankato being detained by officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an off-campus residence.

The incident is sending waves across the university, which takes pride in their population of international students, which now totals more than 1800 students from 108 countries.

Leaders at the university say that their efforts are focused on pushing forward and making their students feel as safe and secure as they can.

“Many of our international students, scholars, community members are feeling a little bit unsettled about what’s happening around the world, and that’s understandable. We too in international ed are feeling a little bit unsettled about what’s going on and are working hard to work with all the authorities that we can to continue to provide a world class educational experience,” said Will Coghill-Behrends, Dean of Global Education at MSU Mankato.

Of the more than 1800 international students, around 40% come from continental Africa with another significant portion coming from Asia, with places like India, Nepal and Japan being significant contributors.

The clock is running down on the spring semester, but the university says that they have a message that they want all of their students to hear loud and clear, whether they’re preparing for graduation or just arriving from the other side of the world.

“You’re one of us. You’re a Maverick. You’re a Maverick from the start, from the moment we send you an admission letter you’re one of us. You’re a part of our family. And as one would for any member of their family we’re going to do everything we can to protect you,” added Coghill-Behrends.

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