TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - An international student studying at the University of Arizona is sharing his story about how he was detained by ICE agents in October 2025. Yassine Halhoul told 13 News he was an aerospace engineering student when ICE agents showed up to his home one morning and took him into custody for 23 days. His F-1 student visa is set to expire in June 2026, but he said he wasn’t taking classes when he was detained.“Next thing I know, I’m handcuffed, in the car, still in my pajamas, in the cold,” Halhoul said.Wearing just an undershirt and pajama pants, Halhoul was put in the back of an ICE agent’s car and handcuffed. He was first brought to an ICE facility in Tucson. He managed to take a couple of photos and sent them to family and friends before his phone was confiscated. He was then brought to an ICE processing center in Florence. “The next day after I got arrested, I was able to make a call to my mom, my friends, and let them know that I’m in Florence and that I’m OK,” Halhoul said.Several days later, he was brought to the Eloy Detention Center.“You would not be able to want to stay there,” Halhoul said with tears in his eyes. “Sorry, I’m tearing up a little bit because it was truly a hard experience to be there.”Halhoul said he had shackles on his wrists, ankles, and waist. He was denied the medical care he needed when he had a large scab on his arm, and the food provided was scarce.“I lost like 15 pounds in 23 days, and I was like, Jesus, like if I stayed there for longer, I don’t know how else I would have come out from there.”While in custody, Halhoul drew an image of his holding cell, which he estimated to be 6 1/2 feet wide and 9 feet long. The cell also had a small desk and chair, as well as a toilet.Two detainees slept on the bunk bed, and one slept on the floor.Halhoul was released on bond and now walks around with an ankle monitor. He awaits his immigration situation to play out in court.Halhoul said he feels lucky to have had a lot of friends and family support him through detainment. His friends raised money through a GoFundMe to help him pay for his defense. However, he hopes he never has to experience detention again.“Just the treatment from other humans, like I just kept thinking, I could see you walking in the mall, and you treat me like I’m less human than you,” Halhoul said. “It’s just really a tough experience to go through.”Halhoul now fights in court for his immigration status to be readjusted and plans to write a book one day to raise awareness of the conditions of these ICE facilities.13 News reached out to Homeland Security and ICE representatives about Halhoul’s case and why he was detained, but as of the report, we have not heard back.You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.Copyright 2026 13 News. All rights reserved.