Immigration and Higher Education

This FAQ is a collection of tips and best practices for protecting our colleagues and students during the current federal administration's attacks on immigrants. This is not legal advice.

How might immigration enforcement happen at a college campus?

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE officers, or local law enforcement working with ICE, may question everyone in a particular. They may also enter a campus to investigative, speak with or detain students or faculty, as well as request a search of records.

What laws limit law enforcements' ability to physically enter a school or demand information from a school?

Previous policies placed limits on enforcement in certain places. However, the Trump administration rescinded those policies. Immigration enforcement is now limited by:

The Fourth Amendment: Officers' ability to conduct a search dpeends on whether the person has a "reasonable" expectation of privacy in the area. Thus, the more private, closed, and controlled a campus is, the greater the likelihood that administrators can help preserve students' Fourth Amendment rights.
Information protections: Federal and state laws protect students' information. This includes FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). However, this does not usually include directory information. It is best for schools to not include a student's place of birth in their directory information.

Can ICE conduct enforcement actions on the CSU campuses?

Yes. The Connecticut State Universities are public, and thus generally open to the public. However, ICE agents are not allowed to access non-public areas of campus without a valid warrant or explicit approval, which could include areas restricted to those with keys like dormitories. If ICE requests to enter a restricted area, you should inform the agents of this policy and contact your campus administrators and union leaders immediately.

What should faculty members do if an officer comes to their offices or classrooms?

Faculty should ask for identification and contact campus public safety for assistance. Do not interfere with their process, but explain that you are consulting with university personnel. It is important to not be perceived as obstructing a federal investigation.

What should I do if an officer presents an arrest or search warrant?

Contact university authorities to review the warrant and provide assistance. Explain that you are consulting with university personnel.

What if the officers refuse to wait?

Do not interfere with the officers. Observe what they are doing and take detailed notes and, if safe and possible, photos and videos.

What if an officer requests information about a student?

Follow FERPA guidelines. Education records of all students are protected from disclosure to outside parties. If an officer asks to review documents or interview people, first consult with university officials and the CSCU Office of the General Counsel.

If the officer claims to have a warrant or a subpoena, inform the officer that you are not authorized to provide the requested information or consent to entry and that you need to consult with a supervisor and will have someone follow up with the officer.

Can a student refuse to allow an ICE agent to enter their residence hall room?

Yes. If this happens, the student should contact housing security. The agent would need to have a valid criminal warrant to enter.

Know Your Rights

You have the right to remain silent. You can refuse to speak with immigration officers.
Carry a know-your-rights card with you. You can show this to an officer and say you want to remain silent and speak with an attorney.
Do not open your door. To enter your home, ICE must have a warrant signed by a judge. Do not open your door unless the agent shows you a warrant. The warrant must have your correct name and address to be valid.
You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
Before you sign anything, speak with a lawyer.
Always carry any valid immigration documents you have, such as a work permit or green card. Don't carry foreign papers, such as a foreign passport, with you.
If you have lived in the U.S. for more than two years, carry proof with you and show it to ICE if you are arrested. Evidence includes a signed lease, church or school records, or postmarked mail you've received at your address.
If you are worried that ICE will arrest you, let the officer know if you have children. If you are the primary caregiver of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is younger than 18, ICE can "exercise discretion" and release you.
Understand that ICE agents may lie to you to get you to open your door or sign something.
Report and document raids and arrests. Take photos and videos if you can.
Create a safety plan: memorize a trusted person's phone number, create a plan for childcare if you are detained, carry medical information on you, keep important documents in a safe place, teach your loved one's how to find you on ICE's online detainee locator, and call the Executive Officer for Immigration Review to get information on your case's status (1-800-898-7180 (toll-free) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Find legal help: Immigration Law Help, list of Pro Bono Legal Providers, National Immigration Project

Common ICE Lies

ICE agents pretend to be local police officers to lure people outside of their homes. Sometimes they create a fake reason to enter the home so they can make arrests.
ICE agents lie over the phone to get personal information and locations. They may say they've found a lost ID card or that they're investigating a crime and you're a suspect, and they want to talk with you.
ICE agents may dress in plain-clothes or in uniforms that just say "police."
ICE agents may show a photo and ask if you've seen the "suspect."
ICE agents may claim someone you know is the victim of identity theft and they need to talk with them.

Helpful Links

Donate Locally

Greater Hartford Immigration Fund
Hartford Deportation Defense Mutual Aid Emergency Fund
IRIS CT
Email us if you know of a reputable organization in your part of the state who raises money for immigrant services.