There has been a lot of controversy recently about ICE. Who they are, what they do, and what their authority actually looks like. Conversation about immigration enforcement circulate through media, news headlines, and word of mouth, but the facts can sometimes get blurred. For college students, it is important to know your rights and the facts.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency created in 2003 under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency was formed by combining parts of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. ICE claims their mission is to “Protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety”.
ICE operates through multiple divisions, including Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). HSI focuses largely on criminal investigations, such as human trafficking, narcotics smuggling and financial crimes. ERO is responsible for immigration enforcement actions including arrests, detention, and removals.
One aspect of ICE’s authority that causes confusion involves warrants. Most traditional law enforcement agencies rely on judicial warrants signed by a judge, but ICE officers are allowed to use an administrative warrant issued by authorized immigration officials. Forms like the I-200 (warrant for arrest) and 1-205 (warrant of removal) fall into this category.
“You’re Welcome Here”
That message is front and center in Governors State University’s guidance for undocumented students. The university states that GovState admits students regardless of immigration status, with admissions decisions based on academic performance rather than documentation. This commitment reflects a broader effort to foster what the university describes as an inclusive and equitable environment where all students can thrive.
Beginning with the 2022–2023 academic year, Illinois law required public universities to designate an Undocumented Student Liaison. This is a role created to support undocumented and mixed-status students. At GovState, Emmanuel Lopez serves in this position, helping students navigate campus resources, understand financial aid options, and connect with academic support services.
University guidance encourages students to reach out for personalized assistance, explore eligibility for the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid under the RISE Act, and access statewide resources such as the Illinois Immigration Information Hub. Governors State also offers Undocumented Student Ally Training (USAT) to educate faculty and staff on the experiences and challenges undocumented students may face.
According to the university’s official guidance, federal immigration enforcement officers may enter publicly accessible areas of campus without a warrant, as much of the university is open to the public. However, restricted or limited-access spaces such as residence halls, locked offices, or areas requiring university identification are treated differently. In those nonpublic areas, ICE officers must present a valid criminal warrant signed by a judge to lawfully enter without consent. Civil or administrative immigration warrants do not automatically authorize access to restricted campus facilities.
The university also notes that the presence of federal officials on campus does not necessarily indicate enforcement activity. Representatives from agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security may visit for routine matters, including compliance related to international student visas.
Policies from the University Police Department further define institutional procedures. Campus police do not ask individuals about immigration status, do not arrest solely based on immigration status, and do not act on ICE detainers. Assistance with immigration enforcement would occur only when legally required, such as in response to a criminal warrant.
Student privacy protections remain another key component. Education records are generally safeguarded under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which limits disclosure without appropriate legal justification.
Together, these policies illustrate how federal authority and university regulations function alongside one another. While ICE operates under federal law, universities maintain procedures governing campus spaces, student records, and institutional responsibilities. For students seeking clarity, the university’s official resources and designated support staff remain available to answer questions and provide guidance.