DeKALB – Some students say they are on edge after a plan was leaked over the weekend for ICE raids to happen in Chicago.
On Saturday, student affairs sent a university-wide email with resources to aid student success.
The email included resources for undocumented student support with text that said the resources have been updated to include an immigration and customs enforcement briefing for students, faculty, staff and administrators.
The link directs to a page titled “If U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Comes to Campus.”
The briefing informs staff and students that all the information provided is meant as guiding principles, but it is not legal advice.
According to the guide, the university is obligated to report certain information on students with F-1 or J-1 student visas to ICE.
F-1 visas allow international students to enter the U.S. as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution. J-1 visas are for students who are participating in exchange programs.
The guide states that while the campus is open to the public, access is restricted or limited in certain areas.
Federal immigration officers are subject to the restrictions and respect should be given to areas that are limited access or restricted access.
Restricted access areas are places where students and staff need keys to enter. Examples are residence halls, administrative offices and locked classrooms.
Limited access areas are places on campus that are left unlocked, but are not considered open to the public. These places can be classrooms, faculty offices and food preparation areas.
Public access areas can be accessed by anyone. Examples are the Holmes Student Center common areas, campus walkways and the Convocation Center.
Amira Isabella Stern, a freshman biology major, said they are worried about the possibility of ICE coming to campus.
“I’m happy that the university is able to provide that sort of information,” Stern said. “I know for myself, I am a birthright citizen. I don’t have to worry about the potential of getting deported.”
Stern said that as a person of color however, they are concerned about being accosted by immigration agents.
“Because of what I look like, the color of my skin and the fact that I look very indigenous, if ICE comes to campus I could potentially be stopped, and that terrifies me,” Stern said.
Stern said that it is easy for them to spiral into ‘what ifs’ and far-fetched scenarios that cause them to worry.
“So for me, whenever I tend to notice myself starting to spiral, I pretty much just shut off the entire thought process,” Stern said.
The briefing provides step-by-step instructions on what to do if you are approached by an ICE officer.
The university recommends students remain calm and ask the officer(s) for their name, identification number and agency affiliation.
Inform the officer(s) that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact Matt Streb, chief university strategist, whose phone number is 815-753-7070 and email is [email protected].
Unless the agent has a subpoena or warrant, or instruction to answer has been given by Streb or a representative of Streb, the university advises students, staff and faculty not to answer questions or provide identifiable information about themselves or anyone else and to inform the agents they are consulting with appropriate university personnel and are not obstructing their process. Examples of personally identifiable information include name, contact information, class lists and schedules.
More detailed information on what to do if ICE comes to campus can be found on the Undocumented Student Resource page on NIU’s website.
Students who have been affected by the potential ICE raids or who need support can contact the Center for Student Assistance of Counseling and Consultation Services.
Junior history education major Becca Katz said she appreciated the university sharing a statement on ICE and the possibility of them coming onto campus.
“I’m glad the university isn’t afraid to come forward and protect our students, because all students have a right to an education and the right to feel safe on campus,” Katz said. “I’m glad the university stands behind that.”
Katz said it feels like she is living through a type of situation she has learned about in history classes.
“You learn about, oh, don’t let history repeat itself,” Katz said. “But then you see these themes repeating, and it makes you worried.”
The City of DeKalb released a statement regarding immigration and customs enforcement.
DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas said DeKalb law enforcement will be in compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and Illinois TRUST Act.
The Immigration and Nationality Act governs immigration and naturalization of people in the U.S. The TRUST Act limits state and local law enforcement participation in federal immigration enforcement.
“The DeKalb Police will continue to focus on reducing crime and enhancing the safety and quality of life for all residents within our community. Regardless of anyone’s immigration status, the DeKalb Police will always help those in need, tend to victims of crime and work with local agencies to assure the health and welfare of those we serve,” Nicklas said via the statement. “Local residents need not fear that federal authorities will be notified after the DeKalb Police pull them over for a traffic violation or respond to a 911 call for help.
On Tuesday the Illinois State Board of Education asked schools to prepare for the possibility that ICE will arrive on school grounds.