Campus Policies, Rights and Protections

ICE agents may generally access areas open to the public without a warrant. Entry into non-public areas generally requires consent or appropriate legal authority.

Examples of areas generally open to the public may include:

• Public outdoor walkways
• Lobbies and reception areas open to visitors
• Other campus spaces accessible to the public

Examples of non-public areas include:

• Campus housing and residence halls
• Administrative and faculty offices
• Classrooms and research facilities
• Areas secured by keycard, locked doors, or other access controls

If ICE agents request access to non-public areas or seek information about a student, faculty member, or staff member:

1. Remain calm and professional
2. Do not confirm or deny the presence of any student, staff, or faculty member
3. Do not give consent for entry into non-public spaces, which include: a campus residence, administrative or faculty office, classrooms and research facilities, and any space where access is restricted by an ID card, locked entryways, and campus housing.
4. Obtain the agent’s name, agency affiliation, badge number, and contact information.
5. Note the date, time, and location of the interaction
6. Direct the agent to the Public Safety
7. Immediately notify Campus Public Safety
8. Never interfere with ICE agents if they present a judicial warrant.
9. Do not share information about the inquiry with unauthorized parties

Individuals generally have the right to remain silent, subject to applicable legal requirements.

If approached by ICE agents, ask, “Am I free to leave?”

• If you are free to leave, you may calmly do so.

If you are detained, you may state, “I choose to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.”

• Do not provide false information or documents.
• Contact Public Safety for assistance with campus procedures.

Judicial warrant: A judicial warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge or magistrate. It may authorize a search or arrest within the scope of the warrant. The specific language, location, and scope of the warrant matter.

Administrative warrant: An administrative immigration warrant is issued by an immigration agency, such as ICE, and is not signed by a judge. It generally does not, by itself, authorize entry into a private home or other protected non-public space without consent.

If an agent presents a warrant:

1. Do not attempt to determine its legal validity on your own.
2. Contact Public Safety immediately.
3. Allow authorized personnel to review the document and coordinate an appropriate response.
4. Do not physically interfere with officers executing legal process.

You generally have the right to refuse consent to a search of your person, belongings, vehicle, or home. However, officials may conduct certain searches without your consent or a judicial warrant when legally authorized.

• If an officer asks to search your belongings, you may state: “I do not consent to this search.”
• If officials present a warrant, review it carefully. Check whether it is signed by a judge and understand what areas or items it authorizes officials to search.
• Do not physically interfere with officers, even if you believe a search is unlawful. You can clearly state that you do not consent and seek legal advice afterward.

You generally have the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement or immigration officials. There may be specific situations in which you are required to provide identifying information or present immigration documents, depending on the circumstances.

• You may state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and do not wish to answer questions.”
• Do not provide false information or present fraudulent documents.

If you are detained, you may request to contact the consulate of your home country. Consular notification and access rules can vary depending on your nationality and the circumstances of your detention.

• You may state: “I would like to contact my consulate.”

You may request to speak with an attorney before answering questions or signing documents. The right to a government-appointed attorney generally does not apply in immigration removal proceedings.

• You may state: “I would like to speak with an attorney before answering questions or signing any documents.”
• If you cannot afford an attorney, seek assistance from a qualified nonprofit legal service provider or immigration legal aid organization.

Do not sign documents you do not understand or that you believe contain inaccurate information. Ask for an explanation and request legal assistance before signing.

• You may state: “I do not understand this document and would like to speak with an attorney before signing.”

Keep copies of important immigration documents in a safe, accessible location. Depending on your status, these may include:

• Passport and visa
• Form I-20 for F-1 students
• Form DS-2019 for J-1 exchange visitors
• Notices and other documents related to your immigration case

Keep copies secure and accessible to you or someone you trust.

• Stay calm, be respectful, and do not run or physically resist.
• You may choose to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney.
• Immigration document requirements vary by status and circumstances.
• You may state, “I do not consent to a search,” although certain searches may be legally permitted without consent.

• Keep the door closed and ask to see any warrant.
• A judicial warrant may authorize entry; an administrative immigration warrant generally does not, by itself, authorize entry into a private home without consent.
• You may state, “I do not consent to entry or a search.”
• Do not physically resist if officers enter.

• Be prepared to present required travel and immigration documents.
• Answer questions truthfully; your rights may vary depending on your immigration status and circumstances.
• Border officials may search electronic devices under specific legal rules. Stating that you do not consent may not prevent a search.