Reports of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s presence on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus circulated over the weekend. The truth of these reports has not yet been confirmed. Regardless, it’s important to spread awareness of the proper ways to report ICE sightings. A well-meaning tip, when reported incorrectly, can do more harm than good. The Editorial Board strongly encourages UConn students and staff to familiarize themselves with their rights and the most effective methods of communicating ICE sightings, using the following tips:
SALUTE
If you observe ICE presence and you’re unsure what to say, follow the SALUTE acronym: size/strength, actions/activity, location, uniform/clothes, time/date and equipment. Specific details let your community members know what to look for and expect, as opposed to a vague message like “ICE is on campus.” An example report using the SALUTE acronym might look something like the following (paraphrased from the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice):
“There are 5-7 officers. They were stopping people on the street and are now inside the supermarket in Newark, at the corner of 10th and Prospect. One of them is in plain clothes and the others are in HSI uniforms. They arrived around 9AM today, January 12th, and are still on the street as of 11AM.”
The above example works because it’s specific. It tells people exactly where ICE is, what to look for, and whether the situation is still ongoing.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
In addition to knowing how to report ICE, it’s crucial to know your rights. You may already be aware that ICE agents cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge, but how does that translate to life on a college campus?
Even though UConn has an open campus — meaning that common spaces like the Student Union are open to the public — ICE officers do not have access to non-public spaces within the campus without criminal arrest warrants or search warrants. The administrative warrants typically carried by ICE agents do not grant them entry to non-public spaces, as they are not signed by a judge. Non-public spaces are areas that limit access through university-issued ID cards and/or locked doors. Residence halls and in-session classes are two examples of non-public spaces. Without consent or a warrant signed by a judge, ICE agents do not have access to these spaces.
Regardless of the truth of the speculations about ICE’s recent presence on campus, the Editorial Board believes it is a situation everyone should be prepared for. Know your rights and know the facts to help your communities.