What to do if ICE is on campus?

Over the past year, immigration enforcement has become one of the greatest concerns all around the country. It has created uncertainty for students and has led to planned walkouts in many schools to advocate for their rights. While no one hopes to experience a situation where immigration enforcement is present on campus, understanding what to do and knowing the available resources can help students feel more prepared and supported. According to the Dean of Student Life, Cedricka (Ceddi) Carver, the University of St. Francis (USF) has procedures and resources in place to guide students if immigration enforcement agents are present near campus.

“Our responsibility is to educate, inform and ensure that every student knows they matter here,” the Dean said. “Safety is more than just physical protection; it is everyone being a part of a campus that works together for the good of everyone.”

If students encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on campus, the most important step is to not engage with them directly and instead notify Security. The Dean explained that students should follow the university’s Procedure for Contact from Law Enforcement Agents, which is available through the MyUSF portal and campus offices.

“If they see agents on campus, they should notify Security immediately. Security then has a protocol on how to respond. If a student is being asked about other people, the student should refer them to Security and then use their right of silence,” she said.

Students should also avoid sharing information about others.

“No member of the university community should give out or provide information on another individual to a law enforcement agent, including little things like whereabouts,” she said.

Even casual questions,such as asking if someone attends the university or lives in a specific building, can unintentionally share information that should remain private.

Students should be aware of their legal rights in encounters with immigration enforcement as well. 

“Students have rights regardless of status,” the Dean said. “You have the right to remain silent, the right to seek legal counsel, and the right to ask for identification if you are being detained.”

One resource available to students is the ‘Red Cards’, a small card that outlines basic legal rights during encounters with immigration enforcement.

“The Red Card is a quick and useful tool that can be kept in wallets or pockets to remind individuals of their rights,” the Dean explained.

These cards can be helpful during stressful situations. 

“Sometimes, traumatic situations can cause us to panic or freeze, and these tools can help with words for those who may encounter such an experience,” she continued.

USF offers several resources that can support students who may be navigating immigration concerns such as counseling services, campus ministry, or financial aid guidance, etc.

The support that students bring to each other also makes up a great part of how this situation could be handled. 

“Be a listening ear if needed,” the Dean said. “When we hear each other and care with empathy, it goes a long way.”

She also encouraged students to stay informed and to be a supporting peer through respect as well as awareness.

“Encouraging the use of campus resources is important because sometimes one student may know more about a resource than another student,” she said.

While encounters with immigration enforcement can be stressful, knowing the proper procedure and available resources can help students feel more prepared. The Dean emphasized that the campus community plays a role in maintaining a supportive environment. 

“And on campus as a student, you have the right to resources available, the rights of FERPA and the ability to request to process events with a campus member or confidential advisor, such as our counselor and Ministry team,” she said.

By staying informed, respecting one another’s privacy, and using campus resources, students can help ensure that everyone feels supported and safe.