Preparing for Possible ICE Presence in Chicago
Introduction
In light of multiple news outlets reporting that the federal government is planning a surge of immigration enforcement activities in Chicago in the near future, the Office of International Services is reaching out to the UIC international community to provide some context, reassurance, and guidance.
What is happening?
President Trump previously ordered federal law enforcement agents to the cities of Los Angeles and D.C. with the stated mission of enforcing immigration laws and reducing crime. Agents sent to each city have included U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the National Guard.
Recently, news outlets have reported that similar actions will be taken in Chicago. While Illinois and Chicago political leaders have spoken out strongly against the need and spirit of these actions, some outlets are reporting that ICE could begin a surge in enforcement actions shortly after Labor Day.
What is OIS doing?
The Office of International Services recognizes that a possible surge of ICE activity in Illinois has the potential to impact the wellbeing of the UIC international community in a variety of ways. While OIS has no advanced knowledge of when and where ICE may be active, nor does OIS have the authority to prevent their activity, the office is working on behalf of the international community.
First, OIS is closely monitoring the news and is prepared to update the international community if and when ICE presence is confirmed on or around campus. If needed, communications will be sent via email.
Second, OIS is in working closely with UIC administration and campus partners so that all parties involved understand the varied immigration situations of the student, scholar, and employee visa holders in our community.
Lastly, OIS staff is actively engaged in their regular processes of ensuring that all international students, scholars, and employees are meeting the requirements of their immigration statuses. While the responsibility for maintaining status ultimately falls on the visa holder, whenever a status issue is discovered, OIS staff proactively reaches out to the visa holder to notify and offer assistance for resolution.
What can members of the UIC international community do?
While the hope is that no member of the UIC international community will need to engage with an ICE officer, here are some things you can and should do to prepare for the unlikely event:
- Make digital and physical copies of your immigration documents to carry with you. Your copies should include your passport, visa, Form I-20/DS-2019/I-797, and your most recent I-94 record. Carry both sets of copies with you when away from home during the day. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, take your original immigration documents with you. Know that an Illinois Driver’s License or State ID alone do not verify your immigration status.
- Be mindful of your social media and online presence. While immigration authorities have been reviewing the online activity of international visitors to the U.S. for many years — social media reviews previously looked for evidence of U.S. federal crimes such as marijuana use or distribution — recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has expanded the focus of these searches to include what the administration views as “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals.”
- Review the requirements of maintaining your individual immigration status. For example, F and J international students must meet full-time enrollment requirements by the add/drop deadline. J-1 EV Scholars must be working at the program location listed on their DS-2019. All new members of the UIC international community must complete an Immigration Check-In with OIS before the stated deadline. Visit the OIS website to review status maintenance tips by visa category and reach out to an OIS advisor with questions or concerns.
- Know your rights when engaging with federal law enforcement. Watch the Know Your Rights seminar presented to new international students and scholars by UIC Law professors Steven D. Schwinn and Alejandra Palacios.
- Know how to contact UIC Police and the Office of International Services in case of emergency. If you do experience an immigration-related emergency, immediately contact OIS at (312) 996-3121 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Outside of regular hours, call the OIS After Hours Emergency Contact at (312) 415-0334. In all cases of emergency, contact UIC Police at (312) 555-5555.
- Care for your physical, mental, and social health. Utilize some of UIC’s many health and wellness resources to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Stay socially connected through OIS programming and Center for Student Involvement, or cheer on the Flames at an upcoming UIC athletic event.
Closing
The Office of International Services is committed to fostering a supportive environment for international students, scholars, and employees at UIC. We will continue to monitor these and all issues impacting the UIC international community and provide updates as they become available.
In the meantime, you are welcome to send a message to ois@uic.edu or make an appointment with an OIS advisor if you have questions or would like to discuss your individual case. We look forward to working with you.
Please note that information shared in this message is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.