What Does the New Immigration Enforcement Policy Mean for Florida’s College Students?

Recent agreements between several Florida universities and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have sparked significant controversy and concern among students, faculty, and community members. As institutions such as Florida Atlantic University (FAU), the University of North Florida (UNF), and Florida International University (FIU) seek to partner with ICE for immigration enforcement on campus, many are questioning the potential impact on the student body and academic environment.

Florida Atlantic University is at the forefront of this movement, pursuing agreements that allow campus police to enforce immigration laws where none existed before. This policy departure, which follows directives from Governor Ron DeSantis to bolster immigration enforcement in educational settings, marks a dramatic shift from the previous stance of universities as "sensitive locations" against such activities. Joshua Glanzer, a spokesperson for FAU, emphasized that this approach is in alignment with the governor's initiatives, suggesting a comprehensive shift in campus policing norms across Florida’s state universities.

The situation at UNF is similar, as they recently signed a memorandum of agreement with ICE, which would authorize certain officers to perform immigration enforcement tasks. Immigration Attorney Rebecca Black elaborated on the implications, stating that trained campus officers can detain suspected undocumented individuals and facilitate their transfer to ICE facilities. This has raised alarm among students, many of whom have expressed feelings of insecurity and anxiety about the potential for racial profiling.

At FIU, students and faculty members have mobilized in protest against the university's decision to cooperate with ICE. The demonstrations arose amid growing fears that undocumented students, particularly those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, would experience heightened stress and anxiety resulting from this partnership. Faculty union president Tania Lopez voiced concerns about a hostile learning environment, where the presence of ICE could intimidate students who should feel safe on campus. "This is supposed to be the safest place for our students to be," remarked Dr. Batira Rojas, an FIU associate professor.

Critics argue that involving campus police in immigration enforcement undermines the core mission of educational institutions, which should prioritize safety and inclusivity. Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, echoed these sentiments, warning that heightened enforcement could deter students from accessing vital campus resources due to fear of interrogation or deportation.

As these developments unfold, many are left wondering: what will the lasting impact of these immigration enforcement agreements be on the academic culture in Florida's universities? Will students continue to feel safe, or will fear shape their college experience? With tensions running high and civic engagement at the forefront, the dialogue surrounding these policies is far from over. Community members, students, and university administrators are encouraged to voice their opinions and reflect on the essential values that these institutions uphold.

• Florida Atlantic University
• Florida International University
• University of North Florida