The Department of Homeland Security announced on Jan. 21 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will now be able to arrest people at colleges and universities. That announcement ends a 2011 policy prohibiting ICE raids in “sensitive” locations — like schools, churches, and hospitals.
In light of the revocation of this long-standing policy, we want to ensure that everyone is equipped with the resources and information needed to navigate interactions with ICE officials should they come to any of our campuses. This article provides important tools and guidelines.
Since Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private university, our buildings and academic classrooms are private spaces. Accordingly, ICE agents should not enter those buildings without appropriate authority. If an ICE agent approaches you on campus, please follow these guidelines:
Remain calm and professional. You should stay composed so that your interaction with the ICE agent does not escalate.
Request the credentials from the ICE agent. Politely ask the agent for their name, badge number, agency affiliation, the reason for their visit, and any documentation authorizing access to campus. If possible, take photographs of any documents provided.
Direct ICE agents to the appropriate contact. Call Ann Merchlewitz, our general counsel, at 507-457-1587, and Campus Security at 612-720-0417. Respectfully inform the ICE agent that you are not obstructing their process, but that you do need to consult with the general counsel for guidance.
Protect student and employee privacy. Please do not answer questions or provide personally identifiable information about yourself or anyone else unless required by a valid subpoena/warrant and told to do so by the general counsel. Examples of personally identifiable information may include and are not limited to name, contact information, class lists, student schedules, etc.
Document the interaction After the encounter, take detailed notes, including:
- The officer’s credentials and contact information.
- The names of any campus personnel involved.
- The details of the officer’s request.
- Whether a warrant or subpoena was presented, and if so, whether it was signed by a judge.
- Copies or photographs of any documents presented.
- Any actions taken by the officer.
Please email all the collected information to the general counsel at amerchle@smumn.edu.
Please remember that the personally identifiable information contained in any university record about employees and students is protected under laws such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and university policies. Employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of such information. We will not share private student information unless required by law or a court order.
You can access information about your rights here if you are the subject of an inquiry or action from an ICE agent.
We are working with local immigration resources to conduct a presentation on your rights and responsibilities relating to immigration enforcement. More information will be provided when the date for that presentation is finalized.
Thank you for your continued efforts to support our students and the broader campus community.
