LARAMIE, Wyo. — As universities around the country brace for potential raids and visits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents following President Trump’s authorization, select University of Wyoming staff were sent a memo from the school guiding them on what to do if ICE agents appear on campus.
The memo specifies that the listed suggested procedures be taken if the visit is unannounced.
“At all times, stay calm and respectful,” the first bullet in the memo states. “Avoid any actions that could be perceived as interfering, such as physically obstructing an agent, alerting the individual under investigation, concealing or destroying documents or making deceptive statements.”
The memo continues with a reminder to, without taking any of the above-listed actions, request to see the agent’s credentials, ask why they are on campus, reject any subpoena or warrant for another person and ask the agent to stay seated in a designated waiting area before contacting the university’s police and general counsel.
The memo advises that, if the agent attempts to access a non-public area, one should say, “I understand you are here for law enforcement purposes, but I am not authorized to grant you permission to enter nonpublic areas or accept any documentation on behalf of the university,” the memo stated.
The university also advised employees not to give out their own information.
In an email statement to Oil City News, UW Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing Chad Baldwin said that the memo is free for any member of the public to utilize as well. The memo is attached below.
“Visits by ICE agents are not a common occurrence. In the past, UW has been contacted by ICE once every several years,” Baldwin said. “We are not aware of ICE seeking individuals on the UW campus since the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the guidelines on sensitive areas.”
Baldwin also said that UW staff necessary to working through these situations — should they arise — are prepped on what to do.
“Law enforcement officials have come to our campus in the past, and the Office of General Counsel or the UW Police Department have been notified to ensure the UW is following the law during their visits,” Baldwin said. “This guidance memorializes this process, educates our employees on the scope of their authority and addresses updated federal guidelines.”
The following memo was inspired by policies established by George Washington University, University of Wisconsin – Madison and Seattle University, according to the memo.