On November 26, a Boston-area college freshman, preparing to fly home to Texas for Thanksgiving, was detained by ICE officers at the airport and subsequently deported to Honduras. The student, who immigrated to the US as a young child, reportedly learned only after her detention that she had been the subject of a 2017 removal order—information she and her family were unaware of until her deportation.

Just days before, campus leaders at North Carolina colleges and universities took steps to address the effects of ICE activity in their local communities. These steps included reminding faculty and staff about laws restricting the sharing of student information, advising campus members to contact police if federal law enforcement tried to access non-public campus areas, and counseling international students to carry their travel documents at all times.

Colleges and universities have been grappling with evolving federal immigration enforcement since January 2025. Recently, students have been targets of ICE actions due to their on-campus activities, campus conduct, and even for reasons that may not be apparent to those outside ICE. In response, institutions have:

• Trained their public safety officers and senior administrators on engagement protocols with ICE and federal law enforcement;
• Increased monitoring of student immigration status through SEVIS;
• Expanded support services for international students, including mental health resources.

As the Fall 2025 semester concludes and the holiday season approaches, risks to international students may heighten. Students travelling or remaining in the US often leave campus, reducing the institution’s ability to manage interactions with law enforcement. While universities may be unable to prevent federal immigration actions, they can take steps to minimize negative impacts.

It is imperative that institutions with international students educate themselves about the possibility of immigration enforcement impacting their community, on or off campus, and their obligations in interacting with federal authorities under state laws. Senior administrators and public safety personnel should be familiar with the types of process or requests for information or access that immigration authorities may present, and be prepared to respond according to law and internal procedures.

Recommended Actions for Institutions:

• Monitor and communicate changes in student SEVIS status, ensuring students are informed about their immigration standing.
• Discuss travel plans and risks openly with international students.
• Offer support resources, such as housing and meal options, for students staying on campus during breaks.
• Review and clarify campus protocols for engaging with federal law enforcement, noting any state-specific requirements.
• Prepare senior administrators to respond to ICE actions on or off campus, including communication strategies that align with institutional values and risk mitigation for the institution and its students. 

How Hunton Can Help
Hunton’s Higher Education team assists institutions in preparing for and responding to federal immigration enforcement. We provide guidance on legal obligations and best practices in interactions with ICE, review and enhance existing policies, and help develop comprehensive response strategies. Please contact us to discuss how we can support your institution.