Community Guidance for ICE Campus Visits

Immediately notify Campus Safety by calling 610-526-7911 or by using a blue emergency call box. 

Campus Safety will coordinate with the Office of General Counsel to manage the situation appropriately for the safety of everyone involved. 

There are several possible reasons federal officers might be on or near campus. It’s best not to assume their presence is related to immigration enforcement or the pursuit or detention of a community member.

For your own safety and the safety of others, please do not interfere with or physically block officers. Under federal law, taking steps to hide or assist someone in evading an officer can lead to serious legal consequences. The best way you can help is by immediately contacting Campus Safety by calling 610-526-7911.

Campus community members should notify Campus Safety directly by calling 610-526-7911 without escalating the situation.

No. Some areas of campus are open to everyone (outdoor spaces and buildings without restricted access) while others are private (like a dorm room, office, classroom, and other secured spaces and buildings). Officers cannot enter these private spaces unless they have a specific legal document signed by a judge, called a judicial warrant. Federal immigration enforcement agents can legally enter only if they have been given consent to enter, or they have a valid judicial warrant or court order. 

Faculty, students, and staff may not grant immigration officers permission to enter non-public spaces, are not authorized to accept service of warrants or court orders and should not attempt to interpret such documents. Instead, community members should contact Campus Safety who will consult with the Office of General Counsel.

If an officer requests access to a private area, such as the residence halls and areas requiring a OneCard for entry, ask to see identification and ask them to wait while you contact Campus Safety. 

You may also state, “I am not authorized to give consent or accept legal documents on behalf of the College. I need to contact Campus Safety and consult with the College’s attorney.” 

If an officer proceeds with action—with or without waiting for Campus Safety—do not interfere. Obstructing or attempting to prevent enforcement activity can be a criminal offense. 

If an officer tries to give you legal papers, such as a warrant or subpoena, please let them know you aren't authorized to accept them on behalf of the College and ask them to speak with Campus Safety instead.

Only when compelled by law. If presented with a valid warrant or court order, the College will comply to the extent legally required. Otherwise, the College will not share the immigration status of any community members or assist with immigration enforcement.

There are small steps we can all take to keep our community secure. Consider saving Campus Safety (610-526-7911) as a cell phone contact now. Also, please remember to keep your OneCard with you on campus and ensure doors close securely behind you—this helps keep our private spaces private for everyone. Please do not hold doors for anyone to enter private spaces behind you unless you know them. If you are an international student here on a visa, always have a copy of your passport and most recent Form I-94 nearby.

Students can reach out to staff members at The Impact Center, particularly Trish Whitfield and A.T. Ortíz, who will connect you with confidential resources, including Know Your Rights workshops, support groups, emergency financial assistance, access to legal support networks, and career guidance. Counseling support is available 24/ by calling 610-526-7778. In-person support is available for students from the Counseling Services office by appointment or walk-in. 

Faculty and staff are advised to seek guidance from an immigration attorney. Through the College’s relationship with AVVO, employees may ask legal questions for free and find attorneys in all legal disciplines. An additional resource for immigration attorneys is the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Also, our confidential Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) offers counseling, information on community resources, assistance with legal/financial matters, and more.  Employees and their family members may reach out to our EAP 24/7/365 by calling (800) 865-3200. As always, Human Resources (hr@brynmawr.edu, ext. 5266) remains available to offer support. 

International students and scholars are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA) if they have any questions about maintaining their immigration status in the United States. You can reach ISSA by email at intl@brynmawr.edu.