University police departments in the United States are primarily tasked with ensuring safety on campus and do not have the authority to act as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, for international students studying in the US on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas, understanding the limits of campus police power and your rights is essential.
University police role and legal boundaries
University police officers are licensed law enforcement officials, but their jurisdiction is limited to campus property and enforcing state or local laws. They do not have federal immigration enforcement powers. This means they cannot detain or deport someone based on immigration status alone, nor can they conduct immigration raids.
Only federal agencies such as ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can enforce immigration law. According to a 2011 directive known as the “sensitive locations policy,” ICE officers generally avoid enforcement actions on college campuses, hospitals, and places of worship, unless under exceptional circumstances or with prior approval.
When university police might interact with ICE
University police may communicate or cooperate with ICE in limited ways, such as responding to subpoenas, warrants, or if a student is involved in criminal activity. However, cooperation does not mean active enforcement. For example, if ICE presents a judicial warrant, university police may be obligated to comply. A non-judicial administrative warrant does not require compliance.
What's happening in Florida
Several public universities in Florida, including the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida, have entered into formal agreements with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support federal immigration enforcement efforts. These developments come under the framework of the 287(g) agreement, which grants local law enforcement agencies limited authority to perform certain federal immigration functions.
The University of Florida confirmed on Friday that it has signed the 287(g) agreement. “We can confirm that we have signed the 287(g) agreement,” a university spokesperson told CNN. The agreement allows campus police to question individuals they suspect are in the country unlawfully and to execute warrants for immigration-related violations, under the supervision of ICE.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the agreement enables ICE to delegate specific powers to local officers while maintaining oversight. This shift aligns with the directives issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, encouraging law enforcement bodies, including university police departments, to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“Our university police departments are always encouraged to collaborate with other law enforcement entities to enforce state and federal law,” said Cassandra Edwards, spokesperson for the Florida Board of Governors. The board oversees the State University System of Florida.
At the University of South Florida, a spokesperson stated that the university police are following state directives. “All state law enforcement agencies, including USFPD and the police departments at other state universities, are expected to follow the governor’s directive from February to enter into agreements with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Michael Lavelle. The University of Central Florida has also signed a similar agreement, according to CNN affiliate WFTV.
These moves are part of a broader immigration crackdown, with over 525 international students, faculty, and researchers across 88 US universities having had their visas revoked this year, according to CNN. Some cases have involved national security concerns, while others have cited relatively minor legal issues.
At the University of Florida, four international students have had their visas revoked, according to the university’s public affairs office. The deportation of a Colombian student from the university campus last week prompted student protests, as reported by CNN affiliate WCJB. Protesters said the actions have created fear among international students.
Across Florida, nearly 200 law enforcement agencies have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, and more than 40 others are awaiting approval, according to DHS data. As campus law enforcement gains federal immigration authority under this framework, students and advocacy groups are raising questions about the potential impact on academic freedom and campus safety for non-citizens.
What international atudents should do
Most universities in the US offer legal assistance or referrals through their international student offices. Students are encouraged to approach these services if they have questions or concerns about their immigration status or interactions with campus police.
As per the existing laws, university police are not empowered to act as ICE agents, and enforcement of immigration laws remains the domain of federal agencies. International students should remain informed, cautious, and proactive in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
University police role and legal boundaries
University police officers are licensed law enforcement officials, but their jurisdiction is limited to campus property and enforcing state or local laws. They do not have federal immigration enforcement powers. This means they cannot detain or deport someone based on immigration status alone, nor can they conduct immigration raids.
Only federal agencies such as ICE or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can enforce immigration law. According to a 2011 directive known as the “sensitive locations policy,” ICE officers generally avoid enforcement actions on college campuses, hospitals, and places of worship, unless under exceptional circumstances or with prior approval.
When university police might interact with ICE
University police may communicate or cooperate with ICE in limited ways, such as responding to subpoenas, warrants, or if a student is involved in criminal activity. However, cooperation does not mean active enforcement. For example, if ICE presents a judicial warrant, university police may be obligated to comply. A non-judicial administrative warrant does not require compliance.
What's happening in Florida
Several public universities in Florida, including the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida, have entered into formal agreements with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to support federal immigration enforcement efforts. These developments come under the framework of the 287(g) agreement, which grants local law enforcement agencies limited authority to perform certain federal immigration functions.
The University of Florida confirmed on Friday that it has signed the 287(g) agreement. “We can confirm that we have signed the 287(g) agreement,” a university spokesperson told CNN. The agreement allows campus police to question individuals they suspect are in the country unlawfully and to execute warrants for immigration-related violations, under the supervision of ICE.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the agreement enables ICE to delegate specific powers to local officers while maintaining oversight. This shift aligns with the directives issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, encouraging law enforcement bodies, including university police departments, to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
“Our university police departments are always encouraged to collaborate with other law enforcement entities to enforce state and federal law,” said Cassandra Edwards, spokesperson for the Florida Board of Governors. The board oversees the State University System of Florida.
At the University of South Florida, a spokesperson stated that the university police are following state directives. “All state law enforcement agencies, including USFPD and the police departments at other state universities, are expected to follow the governor’s directive from February to enter into agreements with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” said Michael Lavelle. The University of Central Florida has also signed a similar agreement, according to CNN affiliate WFTV.
These moves are part of a broader immigration crackdown, with over 525 international students, faculty, and researchers across 88 US universities having had their visas revoked this year, according to CNN. Some cases have involved national security concerns, while others have cited relatively minor legal issues.
At the University of Florida, four international students have had their visas revoked, according to the university’s public affairs office. The deportation of a Colombian student from the university campus last week prompted student protests, as reported by CNN affiliate WCJB. Protesters said the actions have created fear among international students.
Across Florida, nearly 200 law enforcement agencies have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE, and more than 40 others are awaiting approval, according to DHS data. As campus law enforcement gains federal immigration authority under this framework, students and advocacy groups are raising questions about the potential impact on academic freedom and campus safety for non-citizens.
What international atudents should do
- Always carry your valid student ID and immigration documents.
- Know your rights: You do not have to let ICE or police enter your dorm or residence without a signed judicial warrant.
- Stay updated: Follow your university’s international student office for updates on policies.
- Seek legal counsel if you are contacted by law enforcement regarding your immigration status.
Most universities in the US offer legal assistance or referrals through their international student offices. Students are encouraged to approach these services if they have questions or concerns about their immigration status or interactions with campus police.
As per the existing laws, university police are not empowered to act as ICE agents, and enforcement of immigration laws remains the domain of federal agencies. International students should remain informed, cautious, and proactive in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
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