The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal law enforcement agency whose stated mission is to “protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety.” Historically, federal immigration operations on college campuses have been rare, with ICE generally treating campuses as “sensitive locations” and avoiding enforcement actions there.
That practice changed when President Donald Trump began his second term. In January 2025, the Trump administration rescinded guidance limiting federal immigration operations, effectively ending the sensitive location policy. ICE began revoking student visas and initiating deportation proceedings in unprecedented ways. The federal government may lawfully remove noncitizens who lack legal status, as well as those with legal status who are convicted of certain deportable offenses—including “aggravated felonies,” such as murder and rape—under the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, ICE’s current operations go beyond the statutory deportation categories, with agents using broadened enforcement authority to detain students based on alleged visa violations, their social media activity, or participation in campus demonstrations. Critics say the goal is to intimidate students and silence dissent.
In the current climate, institutions and faculty need to know their legal obligations and understand how to protect student rights and minimize risks. Here are practical tips to follow if ICE agents appear on your campus.
Download a pdf of Practical Guide: ICE on Campus: What to Do
See also:
Practical Guide: International Students Are Facing Deportation. Here’s What to Know