Question |
Answer |
Can police officers in Illinois arrest or detain individuals based on their immigration status? |
NO.
Illinois law enforcement officers may NOT detain individuals based on immigration status.
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Do immigration agents have unfettered access to the Lewis University campuses anytime? |
Generally, NO.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ campuses are private property and we have the right to refuse access to law enforcement officers without a warrant or specific exigency.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is required to provide access to federal immigration agents to private property if the agents(s) provide a valid judicial warrant or if an exigency exists.
If an outside law enforcement officer or agent demands access to University property, ask the officer/agent for their name, identification number and agency affiliation and inform the officer / agent that you are not obstructing their process but must consult university police. Immediately contact LUPD at 815-836-5911 and ask to speak to the Chief of Police (or designee). |
Do undocumented individuals risk deportation if they report a crime to a police officer? |
NO.
Illinois law enforcement agencies are REQUIRED to assist undocumented immigrant crime victims obtain specialized visas by completing necessary certification forms. Additionally, Illinois law enforcement officers may not inquire about an individual’s immigration status.
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Can police officers in Illinois team up with ICE agents to arrest undocumented persons? |
Generally, NO.
Police officers in IL are prohibited from assisting, supporting, or participating in federal immigration enforcement activities without a federal judicial warrant.
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If I am approached by a federal agent, do I have to speak to them? |
No. You have the right to remain silent. Ìý
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Can a resident student refuse to allow a federal immigration enforcement officer / agent to enter their residence hall room? |
Generally, YES.
A residential hall room cannot be legally accessed by immigration enforcement officers without a valid criminal warrant or the voluntary consent of the occupant. A student may refuse entry to any law enforcement officer who is not in possession of a criminal warrant, regardless of what that officer might say. |
Are my student records protected? |
Generally, YES.
Student Records are protected by the (FERPA) and may only be released under specific circumstances.
The University has specific procedures as explained in the “” regarding inquiries from outside law enforcement agencies.
- The university generally requires immigration enforcement officers to produce a valid subpoena authorizing the disclosure of such records.
- Federal officers typically have no greater access to university records than any member of the public unless they present a valid subpoena.
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