Major universities in the state of Florida are facing controversy following reports that they will collaborate with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct immigration enforcement on their campuses.
A spokesperson for the University of Florida confirmed, "It is true that we have entered into a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)." This agreement follows guidelines announced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in February, which allow state law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration law with the same authority as federal immigration officials.
It is currently unclear who within the University of Florida will be carrying out immigration enforcement duties under this agreement, and the university has not provided additional comment. However, the university spokesperson did confirm that eight student visas have been revoked.
According to Governor DeSantis's February statement, this agreement will allow local police officers to question individuals suspected of being in the country illegally and to "execute warrants for immigration violations."
Florida Atlantic University (located in Boca Raton) and the University of South Florida (in Tampa) are also reportedly moving forward with plans to grant their campus police immigration enforcement authority. Officials from both universities confirmed this information to the Associated Press.
Joshua Glanzer, a spokesperson for Florida Atlantic University, stated that he anticipates "all state universities" in Florida will seek expanded immigration enforcement powers. In a statement, he clarified, "Our (Florida Atlantic University Police) police department, like other state university police departments, is following the guidance issued to state law enforcement agencies by the governor on February 19."
Under the 287(g) task force model being pursued by the University of Florida, participating officers will have the authority to question "any person who is encountered or otherwise addressed who is believed to be an alien or is acting in a manner that affords a reasonable suspicion that the person may be an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States," and in certain circumstances, they may be authorized to make warrantless arrests.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to target foreign nationals associated with U.S. universities. Last Friday, an immigration judge in Louisiana granted the Trump administration permission to proceed with efforts to deport Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a prominent participant in Columbia University protests against the Gaza war, was arrested by ICE in early March outside his New York City apartment. He resided there with his pregnant U.S. citizen wife. One of the grounds for deportation presented by the government was upheld.
Additional Information:
287(g) Agreement: An agreement based on Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allowing the federal government to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration law. Under these agreements, trained local law enforcement officers can exercise federal immigration enforcement authority under specific conditions.
Student Visa Revocations: While the University of Florida spokesperson confirmed the revocation of eight student visas, specific reasons or nationalities were not disclosed. The university's newspaper, The Independent Alligator, reported the revocation of four student visas the previous day (citing a Spectrum News 13 report).
Trends at Other State Universities: Florida Gulf Coast University is also reportedly considering entering into a 287(g) agreement (according to various local news reports).
Concerns within the Immigrant Community: Immigrant rights organizations are expressing deep concern over Florida universities' collaboration with ICE. They argue that turning campuses into sites for immigration enforcement will undermine the educational environment for students and create an atmosphere of fear. Critics also raise concerns about the potential for racial profiling and other unjust enforcement practices.
Backlash within Universities: Some student and faculty groups are strongly opposing the universities' cooperation with ICE, issuing statements and organizing protests. They argue that universities, as educational institutions, should prioritize the safety and rights of their students and that collaborating with immigration enforcement goes against the fundamental values of higher education.
The decision by Florida universities to partner with ICE is expected to intensify debate, raising concerns about the increased anxiety among immigrant students on campus and the potential negative impact on the educational environment.
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