Follow this guidance if you see federal law enforcement walking around on campus, arresting/detaining an individual or group outside your college/school/department’s building, or entering, or inside, your college/school/department’s building.

Calling 911

If you determine your safety is in immediate jeopardy, there is civil disorder, or there is a likelihood of violence, call 911 — which will be answered by UMPD.

Inform UMPD where the activity is taking place. UMPD will seek to verify the activity and determine if officers are needed at the scene. (All reports of possible immigration enforcement activity on our campus are analyzed to determine if they are valid and whether further action is warranted.) If sent to the scene, UMPD will ensure public safety for everyone — it is the University’s role and highest priority to ensure the safety of our University community.

The University will try to ascertain more information about any individuals who have been arrested/detained.

In lieu of, or in addition to, notifying UMPD, you may notify your teacher, dean’s office or supervisor who will work with a designated University leadership team to determine, on a case-by-case basis, if broader communications are necessary (e.g., to college/school/department/all campus) and will manage those communications.

For student workers, employees, faculty or staff: For emergencies, refer to emergency response plans for your workplace and follow established procedures.

University notifications

In accordance with Clery Act regulations, the University will refrain from issuing SAFE-U Alerts for lawful federal law enforcement activities on campus. If an incident becomes an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees on campus, a SAFE-U alert will be issued.

More information on SAFE-U Alerts can be found on the Safety Notifications webpage.

For more resources, please see the Guidance for University of Minnesota Employees Encountering Law Enforcement Agents at Their Workplace (requires login).

Employees/Student workers

Follow this OGC Guidance (requires login) if you are approached by a federal law enforcement officer with a warrant, subpoena or court order, if they ask for information on students, staff or faculty and their immigration status, or seek to enter private University areas or property.

In addition, ISSS has information outlining standard or routine reasons the Department of Homeland Security may make site visits to a University office.

Students

Student Legal Service has guidance for students on this and other legal issues. Students are encouraged to reach out proactively to connect with SLS immigration attorneys, as appropriate.

Note: Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the University cannot provide private student information to any law enforcement agency, including ICE, unless required by subpoena or court order or otherwise expressly permitted under FERPA. ISSS has information outlining other visa-related documentation questions.

Public areas

Some areas on University campuses and facilities are open to the public. Federal law enforcement officers are generally authorized by law to enter public spaces without any special permission from the University.

Examples of Public Areas generally include campus outdoor sidewalks, green spaces, parking lots and ramps, and lobby, waiting, or hallway areas that are open to the public. Portions of libraries and museums that are open to the general public are also generally considered public areas. Campus events, such as lectures and forums, that are free and open to the public are also generally deemed public areas. 

Limited access areas

Some University areas are not open to the public without permission. Generally, federal law enforcement may not enter limited-access areas without permission from individuals authorized to provide permission on behalf of the University unless the officer presents a valid search warrant or exigent circumstances are present.

Limited access areas include classrooms (unless an event open to the public is occurring in that classroom), faculty, staff or student offices, residence halls, laboratories, areas only accessible by use of a key or keycard, areas only available to staff or individuals with a staff escort, areas only available to ticketed individuals, areas only available to University patients or research participants, privately or University-owned vehicles, and other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy as determined by the University.

Note: As the primary first responder to all safety and security issues on our campuses, the University of Minnesota campus police and public safety departments have access to all spaces necessary to perform this function. Outside law enforcement agencies do not have this direct responsibility nor direct access to University spaces. 

Building access

Main entrances to buildings such as student unions and museums remain open to the public at this time. All other buildings on the Twin Cities campus will require a U Card to enter. The University regularly reviews its approach to building access and security. Notifications of changes to access or security will be provided to affected individuals.

Building signage

The best way to make an area "private" is by having it only accessible with a U Card.

If there is a reasonable expectation of privacy — such as in a break room or private office — building occupants may choose to hang on an interior door an approved sign indicating a private space. Contact your department facility representative for the approved sign.

Temporary signs made locally are not allowed and will be removed by facilities staff and department facility representatives.

Faculty, instructors and students are navigating classes amid a tense and uncertain climate. At the same time, we know many students welcome the opportunity to connect and learn best in person.

Classes are expected to proceed as scheduled and in the modality outlined in the course schedule. As context, the University is a primarily residential, in-person institution, an official designation connected to many requirements, including implications for international student visas, courses requiring in-person components and financial aid processes.

We remain committed to supporting the needs of all students. In addition to the ongoing efforts to provide food aid, emergency funding, transportation support and mental health resources, our schools and colleges are encouraged to continue communicating about the ways they are supporting students, especially for those who continue to have concerns about flexibility around in-person learning. Students with questions specific to their circumstances should connect with their college.

• February 3, 2026: Updates on University response to federal presence in Minnesota | Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations 
• January 15, 2026: Supporting your safety | Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations
• January 14, 2026: University actions to support faculty, staff and students | Office of the President
• January 8, 2026: Rooted in our values: Supporting our community | Office of the President

• Guidance to University Faculty and Staff Regarding Law Enforcement Activity on Campus and University Properties (requires University login)
• Departments can find experts and information on the rights of noncitizens within the University’s Centers and Programs:
  • James H. Binger Center for New Americans
  • Immigration History Research Center
  • Human Rights Center
  • Human Rights Program
• Freedom of Expression: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Civic Responsibilities at the University of Minnesota
• University Student Legal Service
• Faculty and staff guidance from the Office of Human Resources