As we near the end of the semester, I am writing to update you about a topic that has recently been in the news locally and across the country.
In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed all state law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). UNF’s University Police Department (UPD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with ICE, but it has not been signed or approved by ICE. It is not in effect.
Again, to be clear, UPD currently has no executed agreement with ICE. No UPD officer has received training and no training has been scheduled. UPD continues to conduct business as usual. UPD does not have statutory authority to arrest on an ICE warrant, serve an ICE warrant or unreasonably detain people for service of an ICE warrant.
We are also aware of rumors of immigration enforcement on UNF’s campus. There has been no ICE activity on our campus. In the event that ICE does come to campus, you may refer to these guidelines for the UNF community.
You may have heard that the federal government is terminating student immigration records in the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The federal government has not terminated the SEVIS records of any currently enrolled UNF student.
We have been communicating regularly with international students to answer their questions, as well as providing regular immigration reminders, such as travel guidance and general information for maintaining visa status. If any students have questions about their immigration status, please direct them to the UNF International Center, which can also refer students for additional resources as appropriate.
Faculty with questions can submit those through Mike Binder, Interim Assistant Vice President of Faculty Relations.
Rest assured, I care deeply about our Osprey community and will continue to be transparent with you. We are monitoring federal policies and will keep you updated as we receive additional information.
