Universities 287(g): Instead of Protecting Their Foreign Students, Florida Universities Join ICE in Campus Immigration Enforcement

Immigration Articles, Uncategorized, 22 min read

Several public universities in Florida have entered into formal partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), signaling a dramatic shift in how campus law enforcement interacts with immigration policy. These agreements fall under the controversial 287(g) program, allowing state and local officers to act as federal immigration agents — a policy strongly backed by Governor Ron DeSantis.

These Florida universities would be among the first in the nation to have campus police departments participate in the 287(g) program, as reported by the Associated Press, highlighting the involvement of institutions like the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University.

This development has raised concerns among students and advocacy groups about the potential impact on campus safety and inclusivity. Critics argue that involving campus police in immigration enforcement could deter students from accessing campus resources and participating in campus life due to fear of immigration-related consequences.

“College campuses should be safe spaces for academic growth, not checkpoints,” said Miriam Feldblum, CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.

What Is the 287(g) Program?

The 287(g) program, part of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement powers to local and state law enforcement officers — including those on college campuses.

These partnerships allow designated officers to:

Interrogating individuals suspected of being in the U.S. unlawfully
Executing immigration-related warrants
Initiating removal proceedings
Detaining individuals without a warrant in some cases

There are two main models under 287(g):

Jail Enforcement Model (most common)
Task Force Model (more aggressive and includes community enforcement)

Florida’s implementation is under the task force model, which allows police officers to detain and question individuals anywhere, including university campuses.

Read the DHS 287(g) Overview

Which Florida Universities Are Participating?

As of mid-April 2025, at least five major public universities in Florida have confirmed partnerships with ICE:

University	287(g) Status	Visa Revocations Reported
University of Florida (UF)	Signed	8 students
University of South Florida (USF)	Signed	Unknown
University of Central Florida (UCF)	Signed	Unknown
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton	Signed	Unknown
Florida International University (FIU)	Signed	18 students

FIU’s participation in the 287(g) program has raised concerns among students and faculty, particularly given the university’s diverse student body. Approximately 68% of FIU’s students are Hispanic, and nearly 600 are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The decision to involve campus police in immigration enforcement has led to fears of increased scrutiny and potential targeting of international and undocumented students.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a total of 200 law enforcement agencies in Florida currently have active 287(g) agreements, and over 40 more agreements are pending.

Joshua Glanzer, FAU spokesperson, stated:

“All state schools are expected to comply with the governor’s directive.”

For data on visa/Sevis revocations see this.

Governor DeSantis’s Executive Order: What It Means for Universities

On February 19, 2025, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the Governor’s Feb directive, an executive order instructing all state law enforcement agencies — including university police — to enforce federal immigration law under 287(g). The order emphasized:

Prioritizing removal of undocumented individuals
Empowering campus police to interrogate and arrest based on immigration status
Participation in 287(g) programs
Full cooperation with ICE detainer requests
Monthly reporting of immigration enforcement activity
Penalizing institutions that fail to comply

Read the Executive Order

What Are the Implications for International Students?

The consequences for international students and immigrants on campus are significant:

Increased Surveillance: Students may face questioning over their status for minor infractions or based on profiling. Florida universities, including the University of Florida, are partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to implement the 287(g) agreement. This allows university police to detain and interrogate individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, reflecting a broader push by state leaders to align with federal immigration policies.
Revoked Visas: UF has already confirmed that eight international students had their visas revoked.
Deportation Risks: Even minor campus disciplinary issues could now trigger federal immigration actions.

A Growing Trend of Student Visa Revocations and Deportations

The ICE-campus partnership comes amid a significant rise in student visa revocations across the U.S. According to CNN data:

More than 950 students, researchers, and faculty have lost their visas or SEVIS registration, in 2025 alone
These revocations span 170 colleges and universities
Many are due to minor infractions, including years-old misdemeanors

Data from Insider Higher indicates that 18 international students at Florida International University had their visas or SEVIS revoked this semester; 18 international students at University of Florida suffered similar events. Students and faculty say the enforcement effort is having a chilling effect on campus life and academic freedom.

What is a SEVIS Termination?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the database used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track and manage international students (F, M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) in the U.S. A SEVIS termination typically results in the student becoming “out of status,” which can lead to visa revocation, loss of legal presence, and potential removal proceedings.

Key Updates and Trends:

Widespread Impact Across Universities: According to data compiled by Inside Higher Ed, over 950 international students and recent graduates across more than 170 colleges and universities have had their legal status changed or revoked since January 2025. These actions have affected both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent alumni on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Minor Infractions, Major Consequences: Many terminations and revocations are based on relatively minor issues, such as technical SEVIS errors, missed credits, outdated medical records, or previous misdemeanors. In some cases, students have reported being unaware that their SEVIS status was terminated until they were stopped at airports, had visa interviews denied, or faced unexpected ICE contact.
Targeting of Specific Groups: While international students of all backgrounds have been affected, disproportionate scrutiny appears to be placed on students from countries with Muslim-majority populations, politically active students, and those involved in protests or online political expression. DHS has also hinted that students who post “anti-American or anti-Semitic” views online may be flagged for additional screening.
Institutional and Legal Pushback: Colleges and universities have expressed concern about the opaque and often retroactive nature of these terminations. Many institutions have said they were not notified when a student’s SEVIS status was terminated, and that DHS is not always providing clear reasons. Legal experts have raised alarms about due process violations and the chilling effect on free speech.
Student Response: Affected students have described being blindsided by the revocations, suddenly cut off from housing, classes, and employment. Some are seeking legal help to reinstate their SEVIS records or challenge visa denials. Others are withdrawing from campus life out of fear, deleting political content from social media, or avoiding international travel.
Expanded Immigration Enforcement Authority: The 287(g) program has granted campus police expanded immigration enforcement authority, allowing them to collaborate with ICE. This shift has led to increased anxiety among students, particularly international students, who fear that minor infractions could lead to severe consequences. Universities are now navigating the complexities of this new enforcement landscape, which marks a significant departure from previous policies that treated educational institutions as ‘sensitive locations.’

Case Spotlight: Mahmoud Khalil and the Columbia Crackdown

The Florida developments are part of a wider pattern under the Trump administration targeting foreign nationals involved in political activism.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student, was arrested by ICE in March outside his New York apartment.
He had participated in campus protests related to the Gaza conflict.
Under the 287(g) program, campus police are empowered to serve and execute warrants for immigration violations, which has raised concerns about the extent of their authority.
A Louisiana immigration judge (who is not part of an independent judiciary but is an employee of Trump’s Department of Justice) upheld the administration’s case for deportation, citing grounds tied to “foreign policy opposition.”

Similar incidents are raising alarms about political surveillance and suppression of speech under immigration pretexts. This case is being seen by many as a political crackdown on student dissent.

Student Protests Erupt in Response

The decision has sparked reactions from students and community members. For instance, Jennica Charles, a political science student at FAU and daughter of Haitian immigrants, expressed concern about the potential for racial profiling and the erosion of trust between students and campus police.

Similarly, student protests have emerged in response to recent deportations of international students following minor infractions, highlighting the heightened anxiety within immigrant communities on campus.

At the University of Florida, backlash has been swift. On Wednesday, students rallied in Gainesville to protest the deportation of a Colombian international student.

According to WCJB News, students say the partnership with ICE is creating a climate of fear and uncertainty:

“Our classmates are afraid to speak, afraid to show up to class. Immigration enforcement should not be part of student life.”

Concerns raised by students and staff include:

Fear of racial profiling by campus police
Increased anxiety among international and undocumented students
Potential withdrawal from campus life and support services
Suppression of speech and political expression due to fear of surveillance

University and State Government Response

Campus leaders have largely framed the ICE partnerships as a matter of compliance with state law and campus safety, emphasizing the involvement of the federal government in these agreements:

USF spokesperson Michael Lavelle: “All state law enforcement agencies, including university police, are expected to follow the governor’s directive.”
Governor’s Office: Referred questions to the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state’s public university system.

Cassandra Edwards, speaking for the Board, stated:

“University police departments are encouraged to work with law enforcement entities to enforce both state and federal laws.”

Wrong Answer: Rather Than Aggressive Crackdown, Universities Should Protect Their Foreign Students

As international students across the U.S. face a wave of visa revocations and SEVIS terminations, Universities are facing a crossroads: how to care for the well-being of foreign students who are in an emotional and sometimes legal crisis.

Rather than partnering with a lawless federal administration that is violating the civil rights of immigrants, and becoming complicit with those civil and human rights violations, U.S. universities should be standing strong to protect their foreign students. If approved, these universities would be among the first to be granted such authority under a federal program, indicating a significant policy change and the implications for campus safety and student welfare.

Designated School Officials (DSOs) and International Student Officers (ISOs) are the individuals who head the International Student Offices on Campus. They are more critical than ever. These professionals serve as the bridge between students and federal immigration authorities—and in today’s climate, that bridge must be built on compassion, trust, and proactive advocacy.

Here’s what a truly supportive and professional DSO or ISO should be doing to help students who are afraid that their F-1 visa has been revoked, or that their SEVIS record has been or may be terminated.

1. Create a Safe, Nonjudgmental Space for Questions and Concerns

Students facing immigration uncertainty are often paralyzed by fear. Some are afraid to even walk into the international student office. A professional DSO should:

Reassure students that seeking help will not trigger enforcement action.
Emphasize confidentiality and respect.
Hold dedicated office hours for immigration crisis concerns.
Avoid bureaucratic language and speak in clear, empathetic terms.

2. Proactively Monitor SEVIS Records and Notify Students of Irregularities

It is not enough to react. A good DSO should:

Regularly review SEVIS alerts and flag any changes or errors.
Immediately notify a student of any warning, hold, or pending termination.
Explain clearly what a SEVIS termination means, and what steps are available to resolve or reinstate.

3. Stay Up to Date and Share Accurate Legal Guidance

DSOs are not immigration attorneys, but they can—and should—be knowledgeable, accurate, and transparent. They should:

Understand current DHS, ICE, and SEVP guidance.
Know when to refer students to qualified immigration attorneys.
Avoid making guarantees or legal judgments, but provide resources and referrals.
Stay updated on national trends like mass visa revocations and apply them to campus-specific risks.

4. Assist With SEVIS Reinstatement and Leave of Absence Guidance

If a SEVIS termination has occurred or is imminent, a DSO must be ready to:

Explain the SEVIS reinstatement process, including forms, timelines, and risks.
Guide the student through options such as re-enrollment or transfer to another SEVP-approved school.
Help the student understand the implications of leaving the U.S. and attempting to return on a new I-20.

For reference, DSOs should review and share the DHS SEVIS reinstatement overview:
tudy in the States – Reinstatement

5. Maintain Open Communication With Campus Stakeholders

When a student’s status is in jeopardy, it often affects their housing, financial aid, academic enrollment, and mental health. A DSO should:

Coordinate with academic advisors, residence life, and counseling services.
Educate other departments on how to respond appropriately to F-1 status issues.
Advocate for flexibility from instructors and administrators when needed.

6. Empower Students With Knowledge and Resources

A proactive DSO equips students, not just manages crises. This includes:

Hosting workshops on visa compliance, political expression, and SEVIS rules.
Sharing guides like the NAFSA Adviser’s Manual.
Encouraging students to consult legal counsel if they suspect a visa has been revoked.

In a time when immigration policies are shifting rapidly and unpredictably, Colleges and Universities must serve not just as bureaucratic gatekeepers, but as compassionate allies and professional guides. A student’s visa status can determine their education, their future, and even their safety. The best colleges will meet that responsibility with urgency, care, and unwavering commitment to the students they serve.

History will not judge Florida state universities well.

What Should Students Do If They’re At Risk?

If you are an international student, particularly on an F-1, J-1, or OPT visa, here are steps you should take immediately:

Consult an immigration attorney
Avoid unnecessary interactions with campus or local police
Know your rights – Never sign documents or consent to searches without understanding the implications.– Visit Immigrant Legal Resource Center for helpful guides.
Prepare a deportation defense plan if you fear your status may be revoked
Contact an immigration attorney if you or someone you know has been questioned by ICE or university police.
Monitor FOIA requests and campus meeting minutes related to ICE cooperation

Download a Free “Know Your Rights” Guide (PDF) (link simulated)

Deeper Dive: What Is 287(g)?

Understanding the 287(g) Program: A Deep Dive into Local-Federal Immigration Partnerships

What Is the 287(g) Program?

The 287(g) program stems from Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), passed as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996. It allows state and local law enforcement officers to work with federal immigration authorities (ICE) to identify, detain, and begin removal proceedings against noncitizens.

How Does the Program Operate?

Through formal Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), participating local law enforcement officers are “deputized” to carry out federal immigration duties. As of December 2024, ICE maintained active 287(g) agreements with 135 agencies across 21 states.

Powers Given to Deputized Officers Include:

· Checking individuals’ immigration status

· Accessing DHS databases

· Issuing detainers

· Creating and managing removal case files

· Issuing Notices to Appear (NTAs)

· Recommending detention or voluntary departure

· Transferring detainees to ICE custody

Under the 287(g) program, these deputized officers, now acting as immigration officers, have the authority to perform immigration enforcement activities on campus. These participating officers can question individuals suspected of being in the country illegally and execute warrants for immigration violations, significantly shifting the role of campus police towards immigration enforcement.

MOAs can be terminated by either party and may or may not include expiration dates.

Types of 287(g) Agreements

1. Jail Enforcement Model (JEM):

o Officers question arrestees in jail about immigration status

o Issue immigration detainers

o 60 JEM agreements exist as of Dec. 2024

2. Warrant Service Officer Model (WSO):

o Officers execute ICE warrants in jails

o No authority to conduct interviews

o 75 WSO agreements are active as of Dec. 2024

Discontinued Models:

· Task Force Model

· Hybrid Model These were discontinued in 2012 due to efficiency and resource concerns.

Evolution of the Program

· 2009: ICE standardized all MOAs

· 2013: MOAs updated after DHS OIG recommendations

· 2020: Revised MOAs removed expiration dates and loosened training requirements

· Budget peaked at $68 million (FY2010-2013), but declined to $24 million by FY2022

Training Requirements

· Deputized officers must be U.S. citizens and pass ICE background checks

· Complete 4-week course at FLETC ICE Academy in Charleston, SC

· Topics include immigration law, ICE systems, cultural sensitivity, and profiling prevention

· Must score at least 70% to qualify

· Refresher training is optional, max once every 2 years

· WSO training: 8 hours only, conducted by ICE field offices

Financial Burdens on Localities ICE covers:

· Training travel and materials

· IT infrastructure at local agencies

Local governments must cover:

· Officer salaries and benefits

· Administrative costs

· Detention costs (partially reimbursed by SCAAP, which remains underfunded)

Jurisdiction Selection

Agencies interested in joining submit requests to ICE. While ICE claims to evaluate capacity and benefit, a 2021 GAO report criticized ICE for prioritizing quantity over strategic benefit.

Major Issues with the 287(g) Program

1. Racial Profiling:

o DOJ found systemic Latino targeting in Maricopa County, AZ and Alamance County, NC, where officers could interrogate any person believed to be undocumented

o Texas A&M research shows profiling even in neighboring areas

o Florida SB1808 now mandates 287(g) participation for all jail-operating law enforcement

2. Low-Level Offender Targeting:

o Half of detainers were for misdemeanors or traffic offenses (MPI)

o North Carolina: 33-57% of those detained had traffic violations

3. High Costs:

o Mecklenburg County: $5.3M in first year

o Alamance County: $4.8M in first year

o Prince William County, VA: $6.4M first year, $26M over five

o Maricopa County: $1.3M deficit in three months due to overtime

o Resulted in property tax hikes and public service cuts

4. Reduced Community Trust:

o IACP and MCCA report immigrants fear contact with police, undermining public safety

o Law enforcement officials say it deters crime reporting and cooperation

5. Oversight and Accountability Failures:

o 2021 GAO report: No performance metrics, weak monitoring

o 2010 OIG report: ICE failed to ensure MOA compliance or supervise properly

o Poor planning and staff shortages hindered ICE’s ability to manage partnerships

Interaction with Other Programs

· Secure Communities: Fingerprints sent to ICE databases after arrests

· Criminal Apprehension Program (CAP): ICE agents screen inmates directly

· 287(g) overlaps with these programs, complicating enforcement transparency

The 287(g) program has reshaped how local police interact with immigrant communities, but at significant social, financial, and civil rights costs. While it continues to be expanded in states like Florida, oversight and community resistance persist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Florida universities entering into 287(g) agreements

What is a 287(g) agreement?A 287(g) agreement is a partnership authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows DHS/ICE to delegate limited immigration enforcement authority to state and local law enforcement agencies—including, in this case, campus police at Florida public universities.

Which Florida universities have entered into 287(g) agreements?As of April 2025, the University of Florida (UF), University of South Florida (USF), University of Central Florida (UCF), and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) have confirmed or are reported to have entered into 287(g) agreements. Florida International University (FIU) is also reported to be participating. These schools confirmed their participation and have signed similar agreements to enhance collaboration on immigration enforcement efforts.

What powers do university police receive under a 287(g) agreement?Trained officers may be authorized to:

Question individuals about immigration status
Serve and execute immigration warrants
Make arrests for immigration violations
Begin removal proceedings These powers vary depending on the type of 287(g) agreement (Task Force, Jail Enforcement, or Warrant Service Officer models).

Does the agreement mean ICE will have an active presence on campus?Not necessarily. Under 287(g), ICE trains campus police officers, who then act under ICE supervision. ICE agents themselves may not be physically stationed on campus, but they will coordinate with campus police.

Can university police detain students solely based on suspected immigration status?If authorized under 287(g), officers may question and detain individuals suspected of being in the U.S. unlawfully. However, they must still adhere to constitutional protections, including probable cause and due process.

Do these agreements apply to undocumented students, DACA recipients, or international students on visas?Yes. Anyone who falls under immigration scrutiny—undocumented immigrants, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, or F-1/J-1 visa holders—could be affected by immigration enforcement if a violation or suspicion arises.

Are university campuses still considered “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement is discouraged?No. The Biden administration had previously considered schools “sensitive locations,” but under renewed Trump-era policies, that protection has been rolled back. 287(g) agreements further erode the notion that campuses are exempt from enforcement.

Can a university refuse to enter into a 287(g) agreement?In theory, yes. Florida law mandates certain types of cooperation, especially for sheriff and detention offices, but does not explicitly require university police to join 287(g). However, Governor DeSantis has issued directives strongly pressuring all state law enforcement entities—including university police—to participate.

Are students being notified when their campus police enter into 287(g) agreements?There is no federal or state requirement to inform students, and many universities have not proactively notified students or held public forums. News has often emerged through media investigations or public records.

Can faculty or administrators intervene or advocate against these agreements?Yes. Faculty senates, student governments, and academic leadership can issue public statements, organize advocacy campaigns, and request transparency from university administration.

How might this affect international student enrollment and recruitment?Foreign students may avoid applying to or enrolling at schools with immigration enforcement agreements. It may also affect a school’s international reputation and partnerships with foreign institutions.

Will this affect students’ access to campus services or make them more reluctant to seek help?Yes. Experts warn that students may avoid academic support, counseling, or reporting crimes due to fear of exposure to immigration enforcement. This undermines campus safety and student well-being.

What happens if someone is mistakenly targeted by campus police under 287(g)?Individuals wrongfully detained or questioned may pursue legal remedies, but it can be difficult to reverse enforcement actions quickly. Legal counsel should be contacted immediately, especially immigration attorneys experienced in 287(g) and removal defense.

Can student protests or political speech lead to immigration scrutiny under 287(g)?Potentially. Under enhanced vetting policies, political activism or online posts are sometimes used to justify visa denials or revocations. 287(g) does not specifically target protestors, but increased surveillance and enforcement increase risks for politically active students, especially noncitizens.

Does this mean students can be arrested for simply being out of status?Yes. Being unlawfully present in the U.S. is a civil violation but can lead to arrest under immigration law. 287(g)-trained officers may arrest noncitizens even without criminal charges if there is an immigration violation.

How can students find out if their SEVIS or visa status has been flagged?Students should monitor their SEVIS records, communicate regularly with their Designated School Official (DSO), and check with U.S. embassies or consulates if abroad. Sudden issues at ports of entry or visa appointments may indicate problems.

What should international or undocumented students do if they feel unsafe?They should:

Contact a trusted DSO or international student advisor
Seek legal help from an immigration attorney
Avoid unnecessary interactions with campus police
Document any encounters and stay informed about their rights

Where can students and faculty learn more or get help?

Can these agreements be reversed or challenged legally?Yes, though it’s difficult. Legal challenges can be brought under state or federal law, particularly if civil rights violations occur. Political pressure from students, alumni, donors, and faculty may also influence universities’ participation in 287(g).

Conclusion: A Chilling Shift in Campus Policing

Florida’s integration of university police into federal immigration enforcement through 287(g) signals a sharp turn toward criminalizing immigrant presence on campuses. As these agreements unfold, students—particularly international and undocumented ones—face heightened vulnerability to deportation, racial profiling, and suppression of political expression.

This policy also raises constitutional concerns around due process, discrimination, and freedom of speech — especially in the context of academic institutions.

Get Help Now: Why You Should Contact Attorney Richard Herman

The stakes for immigrant students and scholars have never been higher. If you’ve been targeted for immigration enforcement — or fear you might be — speak with a trusted immigration lawyer immediately.

If You’re at Risk, Consult an Immigration Attorney Richard Herman Now

For students, scholars, and campus employees affected by these new policies — particularly if you’re on an F-1, J-1, OPT, or dependent visa — it is essential to:

Seek a legal review of your immigration status
Prepare a response strategy in case of ICE interaction
Ensure you’re protected during protests or political activity

Richard Herman is one of the nation’s leading immigration attorneys and founder of the Herman Legal Group. He regularly defends students in SEVIS termination, ICE detention, and visa revocation cases.

Why Choose Herman Legal Group:

Over 30 years of legal experience
Specialists in student and scholar defense
Knowledgeable in ICE policy, SEVIS reinstatement, and political targeting
Multilingual attorneys and staff
Available for virtual or in-person consultations nationwide

Book a confidential consultation by arranging it online now:

Call: (800) 808-4013

For updates and student resources

· American Immigration Council: The 287(g) Program Overview

· ICE: Delegation of Immigration Authority Section 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act

· Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration