Teyah Parent

On Feb. 10th, Augsburg’s Day Student Government hosted a Town Hall meeting in Hoversten 

Chapel. Administrators from Augsburg University shed light on the university’s current approach to immigration enforcement and clarified the institution’s policies regarding ICE presence on and around campus. I was in attendance, and this is what I learned. 

One key theme of discussion was the distinction between public and private spaces on campus. Public areas such as streets and Murphy Square, remain outside of the university’s direct control. While any building on campus that requires a fob is considered private property, meaning that federal immigration and customs enforcement cannot freely access these spaces without following the proper legal procedures. The caveat was that if an agent happens to get inside one of those buildings, the only thing that faculty can do is ask them to leave. Without an administrative warrant signed by a judge, ICE cannot enter private fob-only spaces on campus nor detain any students or faculty. The university also acknowledges that ICE is not known for following the law, and to exercise caution and call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) if any ICE activity is observed on campus. The administrators encouraged students to use their own fob when accessing campus buildings and emphasized not holding doors for people. A map that highlighted all tunnels and skyways was displayed for students to engage with and know how to move around campus without stepping outside. It should be noted that there is no tunnel system connecting Si Melby Gym and the Kennedy Center.

Augsburg Policy encourages anyone who comes in contact with ICE on campus to first contact DPS, who will then contact an on-call administrator. Administrators also addressed concerns about ICE agents requesting proof of citizenship. It was clarified that immigration enforcement officers do not have the legal authority to demand citizenship documentation without proper cause or judicial approval from an administrative warrant. Individuals have the right to request 

legal counsel present when signing documents and when being asked questions by ICE officers. These points were presented as part of the university’s broad effort to ensure that students know their rights, and students were pointed to the ongoing “Know Your Rights” sessions that are held over Zoom. 

The administration wanted Augsburg students to know that support systems are available during this time, and the university is currently working to connect students and their families to immigration attorneys at no cost and that legal help is available through the university. There are also additional accommodations such as course accommodations, a larger online class availability, as well as support through the Center for Wellness and Counseling (CWC). 

There was one central question raised by multiple students: can the university notify us when ICE is on campus? The administration’s initial response was no. According to the law, the university cannot provide alerts when law enforcement is on campus, as that would be considered impeding law enforcement. During a follow-up question, the administration clarified 

they would be allowed to send out an alert if there was significant violence involved, such as gas or smoke bombs or gunshots. Dean of Students Michael Grewe noted that a student-run alert system would not be against the legal policies.