Florida public universities join forces with ICE in bid to deputize campus police for immigration enforcement
Florida’s public universities are moving to empower campus police with new immigration enforcement powers by seeking agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This shift is a significant policy change for institutions that previously held “sensitive location” statuses, shielding them from immigration enforcement activities. These actions align with Governor Ron DeSantis’s broader immigration enforcement agenda, which includes supporting President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policies.
The University of Florida (UF), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), and the University of South Florida (USF) are leading the charge in this effort. The schools aim to have their campus police departments deputized under the 287(g) program, which would grant officers the authority to assist in enforcing immigration laws. This move comes at a time when federal immigration policies are under scrutiny, especially with growing concerns over the deportation of international students.
A controversial shift in campus policy
The 287(g) program allows ICE to train law enforcement officers, giving them the authority to question individuals about their immigration status and, in some cases, make arrests without a warrant. This shift would make these universities among the first in the nation to grant campus police such powers, a significant departure from prior policies that excluded higher education institutions from playing a role in immigration enforcement.
As reported by the Associated Press, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has strongly supported the use of state and local agencies to assist federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. Joshua Glanzer, spokesperson for FAU, confirmed that the decision aligns with DeSantis’s directive from February 19, 2025, urging all state universities to explore expanded immigration enforcement.
Concerns over student safety and campus culture
The move has sparked widespread concern, particularly among students. Jennica Charles, a political science major at FAU and the daughter of Haitian immigrants, expressed her unease, saying, “Who’s to say that someone doesn’t stop me and say, ‘oh I look like I don’t belong here?’” Charles, as quoted by the Associated Press, fears that the policy will create a climate of fear on campus and discourage students from seeking help or engaging in campus life.
Many argue that the role of universities is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for learning. Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, warned that such actions could undermine students’ trust in their schools. “Turning them into sites of immigration enforcement undermines our fundamental ability to foster secure, inclusive, serendipitous, academic environments,” Feldblum told the Associated Press.
This new development marks a pivotal moment for Florida’s universities as they weigh the balance between federal immigration policies and the core values of higher education institutions.
