On Jan. 31, President Robert Kelly sent an email to the UP community addressing a directive from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which rescinded a previous policy that prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at schools and colleges.
As of Jan. 21, college campuses are no longer protected from ICE enforcement.
Kelly said the policy change was “misguided” and “conflicts with [UP’s] institutional values” in the email. The University urges students, faculty and staff to immediately report any ICE activity on campus to the Office of Campus Safety at 503-943-4444.
“Campus Safety representatives have received guidance on how to interact with such officials and enlist the support of the University's senior leaders and legal counsel,” Kelly said in the email.
Since federal agents cannot enter private areas, which include residence halls and faculty offices, without a warrant, Kelly urges community members to request a warrant and wait for Campus Safety. If federal agents inquire about another person’s immigration status, Kelly says community members should decline to respond and wait for Campus Safety to assess the situation.
The email follows after other institutions of higher education have released information regarding what ICE is legally allowed to do as well as what students should do if they encounter ICE.
According to the email, the Office of International Student Services (ISS) has also contacted international students, including those with specific visas, with more updates and information. Any international students who need support are encouraged to contact ISS.
Tiffany Marquez Escobar is the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at marqueze25@up.edu.
Kimberly Cortez contributed to this story. They can be reached at cortez25@up.edu.
