On February 26th, a student at Columbia University was detained by ICE agents under false pretences. ICE agents posed as NYPD searching for a missing child and entered the dorms without a warrant. This caused an uproar among students, leading them to call for action against ICE operations, as well as a call from Mayor Zohran Mamdani to have the student released.
Following this incident, students wonder what initiatives Queens College is taking to protect their students. Students on campus who are aware of the incident have expressed fear for their safety. Here’s what two anonymous students had to say:
“I can’t imagine what that must’ve felt like for the student. How could school safety allow that? I figure that they would know the difference of a fake situation and take charge. How could something like that be allowed? I know institutions have different protocols in place for plenty of situations. I think it’s time to implement new protocols to keep all students safe,” said a QC sophomore.
“Schools and universities are supposed to be a safe haven for students. A place where learning happens free from what goes on in the world. There are protocols for students’ safety which were not upheld in this instance. Fear should not be a part of our everyday curriculum,” stated a QC junior.
To assist students, Queens College’s Immigrant Support Initiative guides students through immigration issues they may face. On the QC website, the Immigrant Support page has a list of different resources the college provides. It details your rights as an immigrant student and what procedures are in place in the event law enforcement comes to campus.
According to the Immigration Resources and Information page: “Consistent with existing CUNY policy, law enforcement access to our campus will only be permitted when required by a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, or a court order.” QC public safety officers will be at the forefront of these encounters. Starting in Spring 2026, all CUNY public safety officers will be required to wear body cameras which will only be turned on during serious encounters. Footage can be requested if necessary.
QC also provides Immigrant Support Liaisons in the Student Affairs Office. However, as of May 6th, the office is closed and will reopen in summer 2026. Students are encouraged to reach out to the staff members listed on the site as they offer services such as legal support, financial aid and mental health support.
CUNY’s website also details what to do in the event that you encounter an ICE officer outside of campus. If you encounter ICE in any public setting, note that they do not need a warrant to look for you. Before you answer any questions from an officer, you have the right to ask, “Am I free to go?” If they say no, you may exercise your fifth amendment right and inform them that you do not want to answer any of their questions.
There are also protocols for the workplace such as what to do during an ICE raid and an ICE audit where employers may be notified that agents will be coming. When this happens, your employer will request documentation from you. Beware that failure to provide documentation can lead to termination. At your place of residence, ICE agents can only enter if they have a warrant signed by a judge. You may ask the officer to show you the warrant through the window or slide it under your door. A video detailing the paperwork you should carry and what to do in the event this happens is also available on the site.
