As general counsel for UMBC, I write today to share guidance in response to questions and concerns we have heard from community members regarding the possibility of federal immigration enforcement action occurring on our campus. First, I want to make clear that at this time, we are not aware of any requests or actions related to UMBC from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other external law enforcement agencies. What follows here is general guidance and recommended procedures for such situations. 

 

As a public institution, UMBC’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 non-public space on campus, notify UMBC Police (410-455-5555), who will coordinate with relevant university officials and respond to the request. More specifically, we advise that you: 

 

1. Call UMBC Police, as noted above.
2. Inform the government/law enforcement agent that you are not authorized to provide access and that they should coordinate with UMBC Police.
3. Invite them to wait in a public area while you contact UMBC Police.
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

 

If you have further questions, please reach out to ogc@umbc.edu. For additional information regarding immigration policy changes that may impact international students, scholars, and employees, please visit the Office of International Students and Scholars policy updates page. 

 

Sincerely,