Key Takeaways
• Xu, a Texas A&M student, was charged federally on May 21, 2025, for firearm possession by a prohibited person.
• Xu faces an immigration hold, preventing release even if criminal charges end, risking deportation after custody transfer.
• Federal law forbids most international students on visas from owning firearms; Texas campus carry excludes them.
A Texas A&M University Student Faces Federal Weapons Charge and Immigration Hold
A foreign student at Texas A&M University is now at the center of a legal and immigration storm after being indicted on a federal weapons charge and placed under an immigration hold. The student, identified in reports as Xu, was charged on May 21, 2025, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. This case brings together several important issues: how federal weapons laws apply to international students, what an immigration hold means, and the broader context of immigration enforcement at Texas A&M University.
What Happened: The Case Against Xu
Xu, a student at Texas A&M University, was indicted by a federal grand jury after a Department of Public Safety (DPS) search found a semi-automatic rifle in his possession. The charge—possession of a firearm by a prohibited person—is a serious federal offense. In addition to the weapons charge, Xu is also under an immigration hold. This means that even if he were to be released from criminal custody, immigration authorities have asked that he remain detained so they can take custody of him.
The indictment and the immigration hold both came to light on May 21, 2025. The timing is important because it follows a period of increased immigration enforcement actions involving international students across the United States 🇺🇸, including at Texas A&M University.
Why Is This Charge So Serious?
Federal law makes it illegal for certain people to have guns. One of these groups is non-citizens who are in the United States 🇺🇸 on non-immigrant visas, such as student visas. The law is clear: unless someone on a student visa meets very specific exceptions—like being in the country for lawful hunting or sporting events—they cannot legally buy or possess firearms or ammunition.
The charge against Xu is based on this law. If convicted, he could face serious penalties, including prison time and fines. But the consequences do not end there. Because Xu is also under an immigration hold, he could be transferred to immigration custody after any criminal proceedings, which could lead to deportation.
Understanding the Immigration Hold
An immigration hold, sometimes called an “ICE detainer,” is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to law enforcement agencies. When someone is arrested and ICE believes they may be removable from the United States 🇺🇸, ICE can ask the jail or police to keep the person in custody for up to 48 hours after they would otherwise be released. This gives ICE time to take custody of the person and start immigration proceedings.
For Xu, the immigration hold means that even if he posts bail or is released by the criminal court, he will not be set free. Instead, he will be handed over to immigration authorities, who can then decide whether to start deportation proceedings.
Federal Firearms Laws and International Students
The law that Xu is accused of breaking is found in Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5). This law says that anyone who is in the United States 🇺🇸 illegally, or who is in the country on a non-immigrant visa (like most international students), cannot possess firearms or ammunition. There are a few exceptions, but they are very limited.
For example, if a student is in the United States 🇺🇸 for a hunting trip and has the right paperwork, they might be allowed to have a gun for that purpose. But for most international students, the law is strict: no guns, no ammunition.
Texas A&M University follows these rules closely. According to the university’s campus carry policy, only people with a valid License to Carry a Handgun can carry concealed handguns on campus. But international students on student visas cannot get this license, because federal law does not allow them to possess firearms or ammunition unless they meet the rare exceptions.
Campus Carry Laws in Texas
Texas passed Senate Bill 11 in 2015, which took effect on August 1, 2016. This law allows people with a License to Carry a Handgun to carry concealed handguns on public university campuses, including Texas A&M University. However, there are important restrictions:
- Only concealed handguns are allowed (no open carry)
- Only people with a valid License to Carry can carry on campus
- Some areas, like certain buildings or events, may be off-limits even for license holders
Because international students on most visas cannot get a License to Carry, they are not allowed to carry handguns on campus under any circumstances.
Recent Immigration Issues at Texas A&M University
Xu’s case is not happening in isolation. In April 2025, Texas A&M University reported that 15 international students had their immigration status changed in a federal database run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This change, called “status termination,” can have serious effects:
- The student can no longer work in the United States 🇺🇸
- If the student leaves the country, they cannot return
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may investigate to make sure the student has left the country
The university said that one student had already left the country, eight were still enrolled, three had graduated, and most were graduate students. Ten of the affected students were at the main campus, and one was at Texas A&M-Galveston.
University officials first noticed the changes on March 28, 2025. By early April, the number of affected students had grown to 15. The university has not released the names of these students, but the situation has caused concern among the international student community.
National Immigration Enforcement Trends
The case at Texas A&M University is part of a larger trend. In the three weeks before April 9, 2025, the Trump administration revoked the visas of more than 300 international students across the United States 🇺🇸. Some of these actions were linked to students’ involvement in pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.
Immigration attorneys have raised concerns about how these visa revocations are happening. Cesar Garcia Hernandez, a law professor at Ohio University, explained that in the past, immigration officials would notify both the university and the student if there was a problem with their legal status. Recently, however, some students have had their visas revoked with little or no warning, except for broad statements from high-level officials.
This lack of warning makes it hard for students and universities to respond or fix problems before they become serious.
The International Student Community at Texas A&M
Texas A&M University is home to a large and diverse international student population. In the fall of 2024, more than 6,000 international students from 137 countries were enrolled. The top five countries of origin were:
- India
- China
- Republic of Korea
- Mexico
- Taiwan
This diversity is a point of pride for the university, but it also means that immigration enforcement actions can have a big impact on the campus community.
What Happens When a Student Faces an Immigration Hold?
When a student like Xu faces an immigration hold, several things can happen:
- Transfer to Immigration Custody: After any criminal proceedings, the student may be handed over to ICE.
- Possible Deportation: ICE can start removal (deportation) proceedings, which may lead to the student being sent back to their home country.
- Loss of Legal Status: If the student’s visa is revoked or their status is terminated, they lose the right to stay, work, or study in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Grace Periods and Reinstatement: Sometimes, students whose status is terminated have a short grace period to leave the country or apply for reinstatement. This process can be complicated and often requires legal help.
For more information about immigration holds and ICE detainers, readers can visit the official ICE Detainer FAQ page.
Legal Penalties for Weapons Charges
The federal charge of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is serious. If convicted, Xu could face:
- Prison time (the exact sentence depends on the facts of the case and federal sentencing guidelines)
- Fines
- A permanent bar from re-entering the United States 🇺🇸
Under Texas law, carrying a handgun on campus without a valid License to Carry can also lead to criminal charges. If someone brings a handgun into a campus building without the proper license, it is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If the violation is less serious, it could be a Class A misdemeanor, with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
University Response and Support for International Students
Texas A&M University officials have said they are working to support international students affected by immigration status changes and enforcement actions. The International Student and Scholar Services office, led by Samantha Clement, has been involved in helping students understand their rights and options.
The university has set up communication channels for students who have questions or concerns about their immigration status. While the university must follow federal laws and cooperate with government agencies, it also tries to provide information and support to students facing difficult situations.
The Bigger Picture: Immigration, Law, and Campus Life
The case of Xu at Texas A&M University shows how complicated things can get when immigration law, federal weapons laws, and university rules come together. International students must follow not only the rules of the university but also state and federal laws. Even a small mistake or misunderstanding can have serious consequences, including criminal charges, loss of visa status, and deportation.
This case also highlights the challenges universities face in supporting international students during times of increased immigration enforcement. As reported by VisaVerge.com, universities across the country are seeing more cases where students’ legal status changes suddenly, often with little warning. This puts pressure on university staff, students, and their families.
What Should International Students Know?
For international students at Texas A&M University and other schools, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Know the Law: Understand what you can and cannot do under federal, state, and university rules. For example, most international students cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with any changes to your immigration status. Check your email and university messages regularly.
- Ask for Help: If you have questions or problems, contact your university’s international student office or a qualified immigration attorney.
- Be Careful with Protests and Public Events: Recent enforcement actions have sometimes targeted students involved in protests or political activities.
- Keep Your Documents Up to Date: Make sure your visa, passport, and other documents are current and accurate.
Practical Steps for Students Facing Legal or Immigration Trouble
If you are an international student and you are arrested or face an immigration hold:
- Contact Your University’s International Student Office Immediately: They can help you understand your rights and options.
- Ask for a Lawyer: You have the right to legal representation in criminal and immigration proceedings.
- Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: Signing documents without understanding them can hurt your case.
- Inform Your Family: Let your family know what is happening and how they can help.
- Gather Your Documents: Keep copies of your visa, passport, I-20 form, and any other important papers.
For official information about student visas and related rules, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
The case of Xu at Texas A&M University is still developing. The outcome will depend on the results of the criminal case, the immigration hold, and any actions taken by ICE. For Xu and other international students, this situation is a reminder of how important it is to understand and follow all laws and rules while studying in the United States 🇺🇸.
University officials, legal experts, and student advocates will be watching closely to see how this case is handled and what it means for the future of international students at Texas A&M University and beyond. As always, staying informed and seeking help early can make a big difference.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that as immigration enforcement actions increase, international students and universities must work together to protect students’ rights and ensure that everyone understands the rules. By staying aware and prepared, students can reduce their risk and focus on their studies and future goals.
Learn Today
Federal weapons charge → A criminal accusation under U.S. law forbidding certain people from possessing firearms.
Immigration hold → A request by ICE to keep a detainee beyond release to start immigration proceedings.
Non-immigrant visa → A temporary visa allowing foreigners to study, work, or travel without permanent residency.
Title 18 USC Section 922(g)(5) → Federal law prohibiting firearm possession by noncitizens on non-immigrant visas unless exceptions apply.
ICE detainer → An official request by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to retain custody of a detainee.
This Article in a Nutshell
A Texas A&M student faces federal weapons charges and an immigration hold after DPS found a rifle. This highlights strict U.S. laws banning firearm possession by most international students, risking criminal penalties and deportation. The case reflects growing federal immigration enforcement impacting diverse campus communities nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
