As my niece Christian prepares to begin her teaching career at a university in Florida, she reached out to me, deeply concerned about news surrounding recent agreements between Florida universities and ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Her question was simple—but critical: Can ICE really walk into classrooms now?
So I started researching—and what I found is worth sharing with every educator, student, and HR professional. What’s happening in Florida right now may set a precedent for what could come in other states.
What Is a 287(g) Agreement?
A 287(g) agreement is a voluntary partnership between ICE and local law enforcement (in this case, campus police) that allows deputized officers to act with immigration enforcement authority.
- Campus police officers at institutions that signed the agreement can now assist ICE with identifying and detaining individuals they suspect of violating immigration laws.
- These officers are not federal agents, but under the agreement, they operate under ICE supervision.
Is This Just in Florida?
- Florida is the first state where public university police departments have officially entered into 287(g) agreements.
- As of now, no other states have adopted this at the university level—but many are watching closely.
Florida Universities Participating in 287(g) Agreements
As of April 2025, the following public universities in Florida have entered into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
- Florida International University (FIU)
- University of Florida (UF)
- Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
- University of South Florida (USF)
Some private universities in Florida are reportedly also participating. (There have been reports suggesting that some may be considering similar agreements, but no specific institutions have been named or confirmed at this time.)
What Just Happened at FIU?
Between March 25 and April 10, 2025, Florida International University (FIU) confirmed that 18 international students had their F-1 visas revoked.
- The students were detained and processed after relatively minor offenses (e.g., driving with an expired license), raising alarm over how quickly ICE acted under this new campus-level authority.
- This action did not involve judicial warrants, but was conducted under administrative ICE authority, made possible through the 287(g) program.
Educators: Do’s and Don’ts if ICE Appears in Your Classroom
Even under a 287(g) agreement, constitutional rights still apply. However, the dynamics on campus are shifting. Here’s what professors and staff must keep in mind:
DO:
- Ask ICE agents for a judicial warrant signed by a judge (not just an administrative warrant).
- Know your Fourth Amendment rights – ICE cannot enter private areas like classrooms, offices, or dorms without a judicial warrant.
- Calmly notify your university’s legal counsel or student services office immediately.
- Maintain professional boundaries – your role is not to obstruct, but you’re also not required to facilitate access without proper documentation.
DON’T:
- Let agents into private or restricted areas without a signed judicial warrant.
- Share student schedules, addresses, or visa status without a subpoena.
- Panic or encourage students to flee – this may escalate the situation.
Students: Know Your Rights
DO:
- Stay calm and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions.
- Carry copies of immigration documentation at all times (passport, visa, I-20).
- Know your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.
DON’T:
- Share personal information without seeing a warrant.
- Open dorm doors or private areas to agents without a judicial warrant.
- Lie or provide false documentation.
What About K-12 Public and Private Schools?
Reports have surfaced that ICE agents recently attempted to enter two elementary schools in Los Angeles (not Florida), but were denied entry due to lack of a judicial warrant.
Under ICE’s current policy, schools (K-12) are considered “sensitive locations”, and enforcement actions are generally avoided there.
However, this policy is not law, and exceptions are made if ICE believes there are “exigent circumstances.”
Understanding “Exigent Circumstances”
“Exigent circumstances” refer to situations where law enforcement officers are permitted to conduct a search or seizure without a warrant due to an urgent need. Under the Fourth Amendment, such warrantless actions are exceptions and are justified only when:
- There is an immediate threat to life or safety.
- There is a risk of evidence being destroyed imminently.
- A suspect is likely to flee before a warrant can be obtained.
In the context of educational institutions, ICE agents may claim exigent circumstances to enter school premises without a judicial warrant. However, such claims are subject to legal scrutiny, and schools have the right to deny entry if a valid judicial warrant is not presented.
This is more than just policy—it’s about safety, awareness, and responsibility. Educators and students must know their rights, especially as immigration enforcement evolves on college campuses.
And if you’re wondering whether students will now avoid classrooms altogether—you’re not alone. I can’t blame them. This may shift education toward online formats just to feel safe, and that’s something every institution should be thinking about right now.
Whether you’re a professor, administrator, or student: Know your rights, ask questions, and stay informed.
Elga Lejarza
Founder & CEO
