Updates Regarding the Detainment of Ali Faqirzada

Last Updated April 21, 2026

A Message from President Leon Botstein

To the Bard College Community,

I am very pleased to share the news that Bard student Ali Sajad Faqirzada has been released and is safely home with his family in Ulster County. He was detained by ICE when he appeared for a required immigration appointment on October 14, 2025, and was being held at Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey. Ali Sajad was released several weeks ago, but out of caution and respect for his privacy, we have waited to share the news with the entire Bard community until he was ready to do so.

Ali Sajad’s release would not have happened without tireless advocacy from countless members of the Bard community—faculty, staff, students, alumni/ae, and friends of Bard in the surrounding area. In particular I would like to thank Bishop Matthew Heyd, the Episcopal Bishop of New York; our Congressman Pat Ryan and his entire staff; former Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey; and Governor Kathy Hochul of New York. Special thanks go to the Bard alumni/ae who worked behind the scenes to provide outstanding pro bono legal support and facilitate key community connections, especially Ali Sajad's attorneys Eva Quinones ’17 and Kevin Barbosa ’18; the Bard administrators and faculty, including the BardBac team and my chief of staff Malia Du Mont ’95, who organized visits to Delaney Hall and coordinated efforts for his release; and everyone who sent letters and notes of encouragement to Ali Sajad and his family.

Of course our deepest admiration goes to Ali Sajad himself and to his family, for their forbearance and courage. Yesterday, I met with him and he is looking forward to resuming his studies shortly. Please join me in welcoming him back to campus.

Cordially,
Leon Botstein

Past Updates

In a message on October 16, 2025, President Leon Botstein informed the College community about the detainment of Ali Faqirzada, a Bard Baccalaureate student, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The President’s full message can be read here.

Bard College has joined the Episcopal Diocese of New York and Human Rights First in calling for Faqirzada’s release. Read the College’s statement here and the joint statement here. Further updates will be shared as the College continues to advocate on behalf of Ali with elected officials and other community leaders.

On November 13, 2025, President Leon Botstein updated the College community on the status of Ali Faqirzada's case. Read the message here.


On November, 26, 2025, Malia K. Du Mont '95, Chief of Staff & VP for Strategy and Policy at Bard, sent a message to the College community with an update on Ali Faqirzada's case and a note of thanks from his family. Read the message here.

Past Coverage