Federal Court Rules Students Enrolled At Fake University Created By ICE Can Sue

Students enrolled at a fake university in Michigan created by federal immigration agents now have the right to sue the U.S. government following a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

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According to a report by Detroit Free Press , the ruling allows hundreds of students who paid tuition to the University of Farmington in Farmington Hills—a fake institution established by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—to pursue their claims in court. In 2020, attorneys representing Teja Ravi and other students who attended the university filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

ICE shut down the institution in 2019 and arrested at least 250 students. The lawsuit argues that the U.S. breached its contract with the students by taking their tuition money, approximately $11,000 per year per student, without providing the promised education. The plaintiffs seek a refund and other punitive damages.

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The Claims Court dismissed the lawsuit on technical grounds in 2022, citing a lack of jurisdiction. However, on June 25, three judges from the appeals court overturned this decision, returning the case to the Claims Court. The Department of Homeland Security did not release a statement regarding the lawsuit, and lCE previously defended its actions, claiming that the agency was combating visa fraud.

Its operation began in 2015, when it set up a fake office on Northwestern Highway near 13 Mile, complete with a website and admissions process. The University of Farmington was listed as a government-approved institution for student visas, making it appear legitimate to over 600 students, mainly immigrants from India pursuing technology and science studies. These students arrived in the U.S. legally with F-1 student visas.

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