Important Reminder Regarding Immigration Enforcement and Campus Access

January 30, 2026

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As we navigate a period of increased activity by federal immigration authorities, we recognize the anxiety and uncertainty that current events may be causing within our community. The University of Michigan remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all, regardless of immigration status, while fulfilling our legal obligations.

In light of recent events, we are providing a reminder as to the legal rights and responsibilities of our community members when interacting with federal law enforcement officials, including agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Understanding Public vs. Non-Public Spaces

Under the Fourth Amendment, whether law enforcement can access a space without a warrant depends on whether the space is open to the public.

  • Public Spaces: Much of our campus—including outdoor areas, open quads, and public lobbies—is open to the general public. Law enforcement officers may enter these areas without a warrant or prior notice.
  • Non-Public Spaces: Law enforcement access to areas that are not open to the general public is more limited. In these areas, law enforcement generally requires a judicial warrant (signed by a judge, not just an administrative officer) or consent to enter. These spaces include:
    • Classrooms and Laboratories: While the building itself may have public areas, the active instructional and research spaces within them are non-public.
    • Residence Halls: Individual rooms, hallways, and common areas behind secured entry points in residence halls are non-public.
    • Private Offices: Faculty and administrative offices are non-public.
    • Healthcare Facilities: Clinical spaces governed by patient privacy regulations are non-public.

Protocol: If You Encounter Federal Agents on Campus

If you are approached by federal immigration officials in a university workspace, classroom, or residence, please follow these steps:

1.  Do Not Obstruct

You must not physically interfere with, block, or resist law enforcement officers. Interference can lead to criminal charges. However, “not obstructing” does not mean you must waive your individual rights to peacefully observe, assemble, or protest.

2.  Request Documentation but Do Not Respond on the University’s Behalf

If agents seek to enter a non-public area (like an office or classroom), you may ask to see a judicial search or arrest warrant.

  • Note: An administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) signed by an ICE official is not a judicial warrant and does not confer the same authority as a judicial warrant.

If presented with any form of documentation by federal law enforcement agents, please immediately notify the Office of the General Counsel at the phone number listed below. As counsel for the University, it is their role, not yours, to assess such documentation and respond on behalf of the University.

Do not sign any documents or accept subpoenas on behalf of the University or another individual. If asked to do so, please inform the agents that you are not authorized to sign documents or accept subpoenas on behalf of the University and immediately contact the Office of the General Counsel at the phone number listed below.

3.  Immediate Notification

If federal agents are present on campus, please contact university authorities immediately so that legal counsel can review their documentation and ensure the interaction remains within legal bounds. DPSS will serve as the official university law enforcement liaison to federal law enforcement agencies, including ICE and CBP, in coordination with the Office of the General Counsel.

  • DPSS (Ann Arbor): 734-763-1131
  • DPSS (Dearborn): 313-593-5333
  • DPSS (Flint): 810-762-3333
  • Office of the General Counsel: 734-764-0304

4.  Your Right to Record

You have a First Amendment right to observe and record law enforcement activity in public spaces or from a place where you are lawfully present, provided you do not interfere with their operations. Maintain a safe distance from the encounter and do not reach toward the officers.

Support Resources

We encourage any student, faculty or staff member feeling impacted by recent enforcement activities to utilize our support services, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO), the Michigan Medicine Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience, and the International Center. UM Public Affairs will continue to update our Key Issues page as the legal and federal landscape evolves, and comprehensive immigration guidance may be found on U-M OGC’s website.

Thank you for your continued support of one another.

Chris Kolb
Vice President for Government Relations

Tim Lynch
Vice President and General Counsel