Stay calm and respectful, but know your rights. Carry your student ID card at all times. Avoid unnecessary risks. These are just some of the tips University of Illinois Chicago officials recently sent students in preparation of President Donald Trump\u2019s administration deploying hundreds of federal agents or even National Guard troops to the Chicago area, similar to recent federal actions in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand these developments may cause concern,\u201d wrote a UIC vice chancellor and the UIC police chief in a Sept. 2 message. \u201cOur priority is ensuring that every student, faculty, staff, patient and visitor feels supported, respected and safe on campus.\u201d Immigration enforcement appears to be ramping up this week, creating yet another tightrope that Chicago-area universities have to walk under the Trump administration as they try to support their students without drawing the president\u2019s ire. Less than a year into his second term, the president has slashed federal research funding for universities, threatened further cuts to schools that maintain diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and targeted international and immigrant students with visa revocations and detention. A few colleges, including Northwestern University, have had hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding frozen over allegations that they have not done enough to protect Jewish students.<\/p>\n
Many universities in the area serve large groups of immigrant students and students of color. The presence of federal immigration agents near or even on their campuses \u2014 and the possible deployment of the National Guard in their communities \u2014 could disrupt their educational mission. President Trump has said he wants to help fight crime in Chicago, which is at historic lows. But local leaders like Governor JB Pritzker say the move \u2014 and Trump\u2019s rhetoric \u2014 amounts to a declaration of war on the city.<\/p>\n
WBEZ reached out to local colleges to see how they are prepping their students and how campus officials will interface with federal agents, including those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Several of the campuses, including UIC, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, have their own police forces. Under a state law implemented in 2017 known as the Trust Act, state and local law enforcement, including campus police at both public and private universities, cannot cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. However, none of the universities disclosed how administrators at their campuses interact with federal immigration authorities.<\/p>\n
DePaul University officials referred WBEZ to a campus communication sent last week noting that leaders at the private university are monitoring the situation and staying in touch with local and state authorities. \u201cWe recognize that the news about increased immigration enforcement and potential National Guard deployment may create uncertainty for many in our community,\u201d DePaul\u2019s president and provost wrote, adding that campus operations will continue as planned. \u201cWe would like to reaffirm that the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is paramount.\u201d Immigration authorities are only allowed into DePaul\u2019s campus buildings that are accessed by university-issued ID \u2014 such as residence halls and classrooms \u2014 if they have a signed warrant, according to an FAQ posted on DePaul\u2019s website. If an agent requests access, students are instructed to call the university\u2019s general counsel and the campus Public Safety Department.<\/p>\n
The University of Illinois Chicago cited its Sept. 2 digital communication and the university\u2019s Know Your Rights webpage, which instructs students and staff to notify campus police of the presence of federal officers, and not to accept documents from federal agents and to instead direct them to campus police. UIC is Chicago\u2019s largest university. It serves more than 33,000 students, a majority of whom are students of color. Eight percent come from other countries. UIC students and staff should refer requests from federal law enforcement to UIC Police, according to guidance sent by university officials. International students and faculty who have an immigration-related emergency are advised to contact the Office of International Students at 312-996-3121 during business hours, or 312-415-0334 after hours.<\/p>\n
UIC\u2019s Office of International Students has published additional guidance advising students to carry digital and physical copies of their immigration documents and to be mindful of their social media presence, noting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has started scanning the accounts of visa holders for \u201cantisemitic activity\u201d and \u201cthe physical harassment of Jewish individuals.\u201d Critics of the policy warn that federal agents may flag statements supporting Palestine and Gaza.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, local colleges are taking steps to prepare students for increased federal immigration enforcement, emphasizing the importance of knowing one’s rights and staying calm. Universities are also working to ensure campus safety while navigating complex federal policies and laws. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for students, faculty, and staff to remain informed and aware of their rights and the resources available to them.<\/p>\n
Q: What should I do if I encounter federal immigration agents on campus?
\nA: According to university guidance, you should notify campus police and not accept documents from federal agents.
\nQ: Can federal immigration authorities enter campus buildings without a warrant?
\nA: No, they need a signed warrant to access buildings that require a university-issued ID.
\nQ: What should international students do in case of an immigration-related emergency?
\nA: They should contact the Office of International Students during business hours or the emergency number after hours.
\nQ: Why are universities taking these precautions?
\nA: To ensure student safety and well-being in response to increased federal immigration enforcement and potential National Guard deployment.
\nQ: How can I stay informed about my rights and campus resources?
\nA: Check your university’s website and communications for updates and guidance on knowing your rights and accessing support services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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