Guidance Related to Federal Immigration Enforcement

Bowie State University is not aware of any requests or actions concerning our campus from U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal law enforcement agencies at this time. The information here is general guidance concerning requests from any external law enforcement agencies for information, records or access to non-public areas of the campus.

As a public institution, Bowie State’s campus is largely open to the public, but many spaces are restricted for reasons of privacy, safety and operational needs — including residence halls, classrooms, laboratories and administrative and faculty offices. To access such non-public areas, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant or subpoena. Additionally, federal privacy laws generally prohibit the release of information from a student’s records, including to law enforcement, without a valid court order or subpoena.

If you receive a request from external law enforcement for information, records or access to a non-public space on campus, notify the Bowie State University Department of Public Safety immediately at (301) 860-4040.

More specifically, we advise:

  1. Call Public Safety, as noted above.
  2. Inform the government/law enforcement agent that you are not authorized to provide access and that they should coordinate with Public Safety. 
  3. Invite them to wait in a public area while you contact Public Safety.
  4. Do not accept a subpoena or warrant on behalf of the university yourself.
  5. Do not physically block or interfere with enforcement action.
  6. Document the interaction. You have the right to document the situation, including:
    • Date and time
    • Officer name and identification number
    • Agency affiliation
    • Details of the interaction

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    The Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforces federal immigration laws. Its enforcement activities include arrests, detentions, searches, service of subpoenas and other legal documents, interviews and surveillance. 

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    Historically, DHS has limited enforcement at or near places considered “sensitive locations” or “protected areas” such as university campuses. In January 2025, DHS rescinded the guidance limiting enforcement actions at or near these areas, but it has not focused its enforcement efforts on college and university campuses. 

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    Under a federal executive order aimed at national security, government agencies have been directed to strengthen how they review and monitor individuals from other countries who are entering or currently living in the United States. 

    ICE officials may:

    • Engage in enforcement activities in areas of campus that are open to the general public
    • Arrest and detain individuals for whom an administrative warrant has been issued
    • Enter non-public areas only if they have a judicial warrant or if they are given consent to enter

    Non-public areas include, without limitation, private offices, residence halls, classrooms while classes are in session, areas restricted by key card, locked doors or monitored entryways, locker rooms, laboratories, kitchens and food preparation areas, maintenance areas, and storage facilities.

    Judicial vs. Administrative Warrants

    • Administrative warrants are issued internally by ICE or DHS officials and are primarily for civil immigration enforcement. They do not require judicial review and have a narrower scope, limited to public arrests and detentions. IMPORTANT: Administrative warrants do not give ICE agents permission to enter areas of campus that are not open to the general public. 
    • Judicial warrants are issued by a state or federal court, signed by a judge or magistrate, based on probable cause and allow for searches and seizures and arrests in private spaces. They provide stronger constitutional protections under the Fourth Amendment. A warrant issued by an immigration judge is not a judicial warrant.

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    If any federal or state law enforcement officer appears on campus to serve or enforce a warrant, subpoena or other legal document, direct them to the Bowie State University Department of Public Safety immediately at (301) 860-4040.

    Do not release information or provide access to law enforcement unless specifically authorized by the Office of the General Counsel.

    If you are unsure how to respond or in the event of ICE escalation and noncompliance, do not impede or otherwise interfere with ICE operations. Contact the Department of Public Safety and Office of the General Counsel.

    Department of Public Safety
    (301) 860-4040

    Office of the General Counsel
    (301) 860-3550
    generalcounsel@bowiestate.edu 

    If the Office of the General Counsel is closed, contact the Department of Public Safety.

    The Office of the General Counsel provides legal counsel and support to Bowie State University. Our attorneys are not authorized to provide legal services on personal matters to students, faculty and staff. 

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    International students should make sure the Office of International Education & Student Services has their current contact information and should strictly follow all regulations required to maintain visa status. 

    Office of International Education & Student Services
    internationaloffice@bowiestate.edu 
    (301) 860-3830

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    Federal privacy law, known as the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), protects certain student information from disclosure. Do not release student information unless a valid court order is presented.

    Additional guidance is provided in Bowie State University’s Policy on Sensitive Locations.

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