Are college and university campuses still defined as “sensitive” or “protected” locations where ICE enforcement actions are limited?
- No. On January 21, 2025, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security announced the rescission of prior ICE guidance on “sensitive” or “protected” locations. This removed the prohibition for ICE agents engaging in enforcement actions in locations such as colleges and universities.
Does ICE need a warrant to access CCS’s campus?
- ICE agents must have a search or arrest warrant to access nonpublic areas of campus. All CCS buildings and shuttles are restricted access and are considered nonpublic areas.
- The Josephine Ford Sculpture Garden on the Ford Campus is considered a public space and ICE agents may enter this area without a search or arrest warrant.
What should faculty or staff do if ICE agents ask to enter a non-public area of the CCS campus?
- In ALL cases, CCS employees should ask ICE agents to wait to enter a non-public area of campus until contacting the Office of Campus Safety at 313.664.7444 or 313.664.1444 who will contact the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life.
- Faculty and staff are not required to permit ICE agents to enter non-public areas of campus without a warrant. Faculty and staff should not accept service of a warrant or subpoena and should refer agents to the Office of Campus Safety who will contact the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life.
- Faculty and staff should remain polite and may say “I understand you are here for law enforcement purposes, but I am not authorized to grant you permission to enter non-public areas of campus or accept documentation on behalf of the College. I will contact the appropriate office for you.”
What should faculty or staff do if ICE contacts them for information about a student or a student’s educational record?
- Faculty or staff who receive a request from ICE, or other law enforcement agency, for ANY information about a student should contact the College Registrar at 333.664.7405.
- Consistent with FERPA guidelines, CCS does not voluntarily share student information with ICE or any other law enforcement officials without a student’s prior consent unless a narrow and specific FERPA exception applies consistent with our Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act policy.
- Faculty and staff may wish to say, “I understand you are requesting student information, which I am not authorized to provide, per our College guidelines.”
What should faculty or staff do if they observe ICE agents conducting enforcement activities in public areas of Campus?
- Faculty or staff should immediately contact the Office of Campus Safety who will inform the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life.
- Faculty and staff should remain polite but should document the activities they observe, if possible.