See FAQs: Visits to Campus from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Can ICE agents access campus or University buildings without a warrant?
- In general, ICE agents must have a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas (areas not open to the public such as classrooms, housing, and areas requiring CUID).
- Exigent circumstances (for example, the risk of imminent harm to people or property) may allow for access to University buildings or people without a warrant. Faculty/staff should not interfere and should immediately contact Public Safety as described below. Faculty/staff should document the activities they observe, if possible without obstructing the agents.
- Areas open to the general public are similarly accessible to ICE agents, and they may enter without a warrant.
What should faculty/staff do if ICE agents ask to enter non-public areas of the University or approach for information about another individual?
- Ask for credentials. In a professional and courteous manner, ask for i) the agents’ credentials (full name, agency/organization, badge number, etc.); ii) a business card; and iii) any legal documents (warrant, subpoena, etc.).
- Ask them to wait. Ask the agents to wait to enter any non-public areas until contacting Public Safety at the numbers below. Public Safety will contact the Office of the General Counsel and will help coordinate the University’s response.
- It is preferable for faculty/staff to first call Public Safety directly. If this is not possible based on the circumstances, faculty/staff may connect an ICE agent directly to Public Safety.
- Do not accept service of a warrant or subpoena.
- In response to questions or the attempted service of a warrant or subpoena, you can say: “I am not authorized by the University to grant permission to enter non-public areas, provide information about individual students or employees, or accept service of documentation on behalf of the University,” then refer the agents to Public Safety and the Office of the General Counsel.
What should faculty/staff or others do if they observe ICE agents conducting enforcement activities on campus?
- Immediately contact Public Safety.
- Morningside: 212-854-5555
- Manhattanville: 212-853-3333
- Medical Center: 212-305-7979
- Lamont: 845-365-8555