Campus Protocols
Adelphi University is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community, including international and immigrant students, faculty, and staff. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities if approached by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on campus. This guide outlines key information on campus access, legal requirements, and appropriate responses to ICE inquiries.
ICE and Campus Access: Know What to Do
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents must have a valid judicial warrant or consent to enter non-public areas of campus, including:
- Campus housing
- Administrative or faculty offices
- Classrooms
- Research facilities
- Any area where access is restricted by an ID card
Public areas such as lobbies, reception areas, dining halls, and parking lots are accessible to ICE agents without a warrant.
Faculty and staff should:
- Not confirm or deny the presence of any student, staff, or faculty member.
- You can say, “I cannot confirm or deny the presence of any individual”.
- Not give consent for entry into non-public spaces.
- You can say, “I do not give consent to enter this space without a valid judicial warrant”.
If approached by ICE agents seeking access to non-public areas or requesting information:
- Remain calm and professional. Note the date, time, and location of the interaction.
- Request credentials. Ask for the agent’s name, agency affiliation, badge number, and contact information.
- Do not confirm or deny the presence of any individual.
- Say: “I cannot confirm or deny the presence of any individual.”
- Do not give consent for entry into non-public spaces.
- Say: “I do not give consent to enter this space without a valid judicial warrant.”
- Direct the agent to Campus Public Safety and notify them immediately.
- Do not interfere if ICE presents a valid judicial warrant.
- Do not share information about the inquiry with unauthorized parties.
A judicial warrant is signed by a judge and specifies in detail:
- The area to be searched or
- The individual to be apprehended
A judicial search warrant allows ICE access to private spaces specified in the warrant—prior consent is not required.
An administrative warrant is NOT the same as a judicial warrant.
- An administrative warrant is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- It is not signed by a judge and does not grant ICE access to non-public areas without consent.
Individuals have the right to remain silent and do not have to answer questions.
- If questioned by ICE in a public space:
- Ask if you are free to leave.
- If yes, you may leave and do not need to answer questions.
- If no, request to speak with a lawyer and remain silent.
- Ask if you are free to leave.
- Know Your Rights. Protect Our Community.
- For questions or concerns, contact Campus Public Safety.
Title VI and VII Obligations
Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy: Adelphi University prohibits discrimination and harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. The University is proud of its work and academic environment and strives to maintain a pleasant and collegial environment for employees, students, guests, and visitors.
Current and Ongoing Actions
- Adelphi maintains and preserves organized records of all reports and complaints consistent with existing records retention practices.
- Adelphi has and continues to conduct comprehensive reviews of all Title VI reports and complaints.
Adelphi’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy has been reviewed with Executive Leadership and updated to address evolving regulations.