U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Sumith Gunasekera, an associate professor of data science and analytics at Ferris State University, in Detroit on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Gunasekera entered the U.S. in 1998 and has an arrest record dating back between then and 2004. These convictions involved sexual interference with a minor, gross lewdness, uttering death threats, invitation to sexual touching, and disorderly conduct. He also applied for a change of status in 2012 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, where he was found to have been convicted of crimes in Canada.

"Ferris State University leaders became aware of accusations regarding Professor Sumith Gunasekera on Tuesday," said Dave Murray, associate vice president for marketing and communications at Ferris State University. "He has been placed on administrative leave while the university gathers more information. This is a personnel issue, and it would be inappropriate for the university to further discuss the matter." 

Gunasekera remains in ICE custody as of Wednesday, Nov. 26, pending immigration proceedings. Additional details will be released as they become available.