Embedded Files
Due to the recent Executive Orders released under the new Federal Administration, concerns and confusion have arisen in our community regarding the possibility of encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on our campuses. As staff, faculty, and students of a Benedictine community, it is important to know how to handle such an encounter in order to protect all Saints.
On Monday, Feb. 24, the Student Government Association sent an email to the CSS community about the ICE protocols on all CSS campuses. SGA stresses the importance of this information and urges all Saints to review the policies, as this has the potential to affect everyone
In her campus-wide memo, President McDonald wrote: “The College of St. Scholastica is committed to protecting the lawful rights of our community members, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.” McDonald goes on to remind students that only senior administrators are permitted to grant permission to enter private areas on campus. Students should stay calm and contact senior administration if faced with a situation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE agents are allowed in public areas on campus. These spaces could include waiting areas, dining halls, and parking lots. They are not permitted to access private spaces such as student living quarters or private offices unless senior administration permits. Senior administration and legal counsel will verify any documents presented by ICE, such as warrants or subpoenas, before any access to private spaces or information is released.
According to the Community Response to ICE Brightspace page, these are the procedures to be followed if an ICE agent is encountered:
If a member of staff/faculty encounters an ICE agent, stay calm and ask to see their credentials. After verifying the legitimacy of their credentials, invite them to wait in a public area, such as a lobby or waiting area, and contact the president’s or vice president’s office. The senior administration will respond by immediately coming to greet the agents and to escort them to their office for further discussion.
If a student employee encounters an ICE agent, they should immediately inform their supervisor and should take no further part in the communication.
If a student encounters an ICE agent, they should immediately contact Campus Safety and Security and should take no further part in the communication.
As we navigate through this difficult time it is important that we remember our Benedictine values and protect those in our community.
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