Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Response on the Fisher Campus

The University is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees, and to educating members of the campus community about their role in providing a safe environment in compliance with applicable laws.

We will do our best to update this page with frequently asked questions as well as guidance in an ongoing way as the information continues to evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do employees and students do if they are approached by an ICE officer looking for information?

If approached by an ICE officer, employees and students are required to call the Office of Safety and Security at ext. 8025 or (585) 385-8025 and are not permitted to share any information. If information is shared, there are legal implications for the University, and the University will need to know what was shared (please keep notes for when legal counsel follows up with you). An officer trained in handling these matters will then come and meet you where you are.

What is the University’s response regarding ICE enforcement on our campus?

The University is required by law to allow access to ICE officers entering campus areas open to the general public. The University will not permit immigration enforcement activities on University property without a valid legal judicial warrant.

What is a judicial warrant?

A judicial warrant is signed by a judge or magistrate. An administrative warrant is not issued by a judge, but by an administrative agency.

What areas on campus are considered private and what are considered public?

All residence halls and employee offices are considered private spaces. When class is in session, classrooms are also considered private spaces. If there is a lecture in session that has been advertised as open to the public, the space in which the lecture is being held would be considered a public space. All other campus spaces are considered public.

What should faculty do in the event that an ICE officer comes to their classroom while class is in session?

Faculty should call Safety and Security at ext. 8025 or (585) 385-8025 and request that the officers wait outside of the classroom until Safety and Security arrives. Faculty can also refer the officer to Safety and Security.

Are ICE officers allowed to engage in enforcement activities on campus?

If ICE officers arrive with a judicial warrant signed by a judge or magistrate, the University must comply with the terms of the warrant. This means the University must allow ICE officers access to locations, people, or items as specified in the warrant.

If an ICE officer presents an administrative warrant, which is not issued by a judge but by an administrative agency, the institution is not legally required to comply. The University will only comply with a signed judicial warrant.

If an ICE officer presents you with a warrant of any type, employees and students are required to call the Office of Safety and Security at ext. 8025 or (585) 385-8025 and are not permitted to share any information. If information is shared, there are legal implications for the University, and the University will need to know what was shared (please keep notes for when legal counsel follows up with you). An officer trained in handling these matters will then come and meet you where you are.

What do non-residential students do if they are approached by an ICE officer requesting to enter their residence? 

The same rights and legal protections apply to students who live off-campus.