University officials at Baldwin Wallace University released a statement regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] on university campuses and what students can do if they encounter them.
On March 27, Greg Flanik, BW’s interim president, sent an email to the BW community in response to the rescindment of the 2021 protected areas policy, allowing for ICE to “conduct enforcement actions on university campuses.”
This policy, originally authorized during the Biden administration, protected specific areas from ICE enforcement. By rescinding this policy, it allows for ICE to take enforcement in areas that they were previously not allowed to and were once considered sensitive.
Some of these areas include healthcare facilities, religious ceremonies, social service establishments, schools and higher education institutions.
This email explained what ICE can legally do on campuses like BW and what students, faculty and staff should do if they encounter them.
“Like any member of the public, ICE officials can enter public areas without a warrant. However, ICE officials cannot enter areas restricted by university-issued ID card, locked doors or monitored entryways, including the university residence halls, as well as areas with concerns for privacy, safety and operational needs such as administrative or faculty offices, classrooms and laboratories.” Flanik said in the email.
According to this email, ICE agents “must have a judicial warrant or subpoena to enter most private or limited access areas on campus.”
If any student encounters any ICE agent[s] Flanik recommended they call campus Safety and Security immediately and “allow them to assess the situation and take appropriate steps.”
“To the best of your ability, please relay information to Safety & Security about the presence of ICE agents and any actions that have taken place. Do not accept service of any subpoena/warrant before contacting Safety & Security.” Flanik said,
Flanik also said to “not interfere with law enforcement action.”
“While you have the right to document and report the incident, please do not physically obstruct or interfere with ICE enforcement actions.”
Third and finally, Flanik recommended that students know their constitutional rights.
In response to this, BW will be providing “Red Cards” to all members of the community detailing their constitutional rights. These cards can be obtained in Bonds administrative building at the One Stop help desk or the welcome desk in the union.
The repeal of this policy prompted Cleveland’s mayor, Justin Bibb, to express his disgust for the government’s actions towards immigrants in a press conference.
“I fully condemn the concentrated effort to threaten and terrify our most vulnerable populations. Arresting immigrants working in a suburban restaurant does not make us safer. Targeting schools, hospitals, and places of worship is obscene.” Bibb said.
Bibb also said that despite there being federal laws in place, that he will not be “enforcing a general federal law.”
“This a country of laws, and in public office, we have all taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. We encourage all Clevelanders to learn more about their rights and access the support they need.” Bibb said.
