Now, it's her coworkers making the trip.
Dr.. Fatima Ameaka, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researcher detained by ICE while boarding a domestic flight at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, has been released from federal custody and is on her way back to Baltimore, loved ones say.
The update came over the weekend from the organizer of a GoFundMe launched by Ameaka's coworkers just hours after her detention.
"I am writing with wonderful news!" organizer Sarah F. wrote. "Fatima was released from a detention facility in TX late last night! Some of her Hopkins colleagues are traveling to her now to bring her back to Baltimore."
Ameaka was detained on Tuesday, July 28, as she prepared to board a domestic flight at BWI, stunning coworkers who described her as a brilliant public health researcher, trusted teammate and friend. The arrest quickly drew widespread attention, prompting colleagues to launch a fundraiser to help cover legal fees and bond costs.
The response was immediate.
Hundreds of people donated, raising enough money for Ameaka's family to retain legal counsel for her bond hearing and other legal needs. Organizers have since paused the fundraiser, saying the family believes enough has been raised for now.
"Thank you to everybody who donated and shared this GoFundMe, prayed for, and sent positive thoughts to Fatima," Sarah wrote. "Her family has requested that I pause the fundraiser because, for the moment, they believe they have raised adequate funds."
The Maryland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also confirmed Ameaka's release, saying she left federal custody Friday evening and will continue pursuing her immigration case through the legal process.
"We are relieved that Dr. Ameaka has been released and will be able to pursue her immigration case through traditional channels," CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said in a statement.
“Her release is welcome news, but it does not erase the fear and uncertainty inflicted on Dr. Ameaka, her family, her colleagues, and countless immigrants who now worry that ordinary travel could lead to sudden detention."
Her legal case is far from over.
But for the coworkers who spent the past week rallying behind one of their own, the update they had been hoping to share finally arrived.
"She still has a legal journey ahead of her," Sarah wrote, "and everyone's generous donations are being put to good use."
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