UTEP issues memo on ICE protocols amid Trump's immigration actions
A memo emailed to staff on Monday, Feb. 3, provided guidance "to help faculty and staff understand their responsibilities should they interact with (U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement) officers" on campus.
The student population at UTEP is 84% Hispanic, according to the university's website, including 830 Mexican students. As of fall 2023, about 500 students from other countries were attending the university, according to UTEP's Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning.
UTEP Assistant Vice President for Media Relations Nadia Whitehead confirmed in an email that no ICE agents have been seen on campus thus far but declined to comment on what prompted the memo or what concerns students might have.
The memo stated that immigration officers are allowed to enter any public area on campus but entering non-public areas, such as classrooms or offices, could require a judicial warrant.
If officers request access to non-public areas or university records, the memo advises UTEP staff to "stay calm and be respectful" and contact campus police or the university's legal affairs department.
Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com.
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