Immigration enforcement on campus
Last updated: February 19, 2025
The University is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students and employees, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and undocumented individuals. We understand that the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies assisting immigration enforcement on campus may cause concern.
The following FAQs are also available through Campus & Community Safety blog post: UW protocol for responding to requests from federal law enforcement agencies.
Stay calm. Staff should not insert themselves into a situation to try to help or stop immigration officers while doing their job. Immediately call your campus or facility safety office (see contact numbers below) and notify your supervisor.
- UW Bothell: (425) 352-5359
- Seattle Campus: (206) 685-8973
- UW Tacoma: (253) 692-4416
- UW Medicine Facilities: Contact the house supervisor and/or the on-call administrator on call for your facility
Campus safety officials will work with the Attorney General’s Office so that we can respond appropriately given relevant state and federal laws.
No, federal agency personnel cannot enter classrooms, labs, campus residences, or private offices without a valid warrant or judicial order. However, they can enter public spaces on campus.
If an officer requests information, remain calm and professional. Ask the law enforcement officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation.
Inform the agent that UW protocol requires you to contact your campus safety office (or administrator on call if you work in the medical centers) and your supervisor. A trained officer or campus safety employee will respond to take over engagement with the agent, determine the purpose of their visit and involve the Attorney General’s Office.
You may ask the officer to take a seat nearby in a public area while they wait for you to contact a campus safety officer and your supervisor or, in the case of UW Medicine locations, the on-call administrator.
If you are questioned by agents, consider these responses:
- “I am not authorized to answer your questions.”
- “I am not authorized to review or accept legal documents.”
- “I have been instructed to call the UW Police Department/Campus Safety Office before you proceed. Please wait while I do that.”
- “I will call my supervisor now.”
No. You are not required to share personal information with immigration officials just because they ask for it. Do not share student information with immigration officials without authorization from the Attorney General’s Office. Student records are protected by federal law (FERPA).
- Please do not answer questions regarding confidential information unless told to do so by UWPD, your campus safety office or the Attorney General’s Office.
- Examples of personally identifiable information may include and are not limited to names, contact information, class lists, student schedules, etc. As always, ensure compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
Washington state law prohibits UW from using its resources to assist federal immigration enforcement or to target individuals based on race, religion, immigration or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, except to comply with state or federal law.
It’s not your role to accept legal documents on the University’s behalf. Just wait for UW officials to arrive or direct delivery to the UW’s Attorney General’s Office.
If you have concerns, speak with your supervisor or contact your campus safety office.