For Immediate Release

February 2, 2026

The following is a statement from United University Professions President Frederick E. Kowal regarding the release of University at Buffalo research scientist Shovgi Huseynov from an ICE detention facility in Michigan.

Huseynov, an Azerbaijani native who has a valid U.S. work authorization, was apprehended by ICE agents Jan. 7 after making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge from Buffalo to Canada. In a Jan. 31 Facebook post, he said he was home and has returned to work. As a SUNY Research Foundation employee, Huseynov is not a UUP member. However, he is a colleague who works closely with UUP members.

“This is fantastic news and we couldn’t be happier for Mr. Huseynov and his family. I know our members at the University at Buffalo are overjoyed over his return.

“While this is wonderful news, Mr. Huseynov should have never been apprehended by ICE. This man, who is doing important, lifesaving research at UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, took a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge. At worst, this is a traffic violation. Certainly, a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge, which happens every day, does not warrant the type of punishment and pain brought down upon him, his wife and his family by ICE.

“Yet, these Gestapo-like tactics are used every day by ICE agents, who act as if they are the law and favor brutality and intimidation over humanity and fairness. Mr. Huseynov committed no crime and has a valid work authorization—approved by the Department of Homeland Security through 2029. Yet, he was treated like a criminal and was whisked away, presumably by mask-wearing, armed ICE agents.

“Again, we are relieved that Mr. Huseynov is safe and back home. But we will not stop our loud opposition to the militarization of our cities by this lawless administration and the atrocities ICE agents serve daily on immigrants and U.S. citizens, which include the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and the abhorrent detainment of Liam Conejo Ramos, the 5-year-old Texas boy who was taken by ICE agents with his father and released by court order Jan. 31.”