Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to Immigration Enforcement at St. John's University

The purpose of this FAQ is to provide guidance to the University community regarding federal immigration enforcement on campus. Any questions about this FAQ should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at 718-990-5699 or hurwitj@stjohns.edu.

Are federal immigration enforcement officers allowed to enter the campus? 

It depends. Federal immigration officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or other agencies may come to campus for different reasons. 

St. John’s has always had a respectful and cooperative relationship with law enforcement agencies and will continue to do so. It is important to note that federal officers may be on campus for reasons unrelated to enforcement actions.  St. John’s welcomes law enforcement to its career recruitment days and programs. Members of law enforcement agencies often study here. St. John’s admits many international students and hires international faculty and staff. On occasion, federal officers conduct on-site visits to review records regarding the visas granted to our international students, faculty, and staff. St. John’s fully complies with these visits, as required by law. 

Whether a federal immigration officer can enter the campus to take enforcement action like an arrest depends on certain factors, such as whether the particular area of campus is considered public or nonpublic. Federal immigration officers can freely enter public areas; however, officers cannot enter nonpublic areas without permission, a warrant, or exigent circumstances. 

What if a federal immigration officer asks for information about an individual or permission to enter an area of the campus? 

• ​​Inform the officer that you are referring them to the Department of Public Safety, which is located at the ROTC Building on Goethals Avenue by Gate 6, and can be reached at 718-990-5252.
• You may ask the officer to wait in the nearest common area.
• Immediately call Public Safety at 718-990-5252.
• Under no circumstance should you physically block, impede, or otherwise interfere with the actions of an officer. 

Will Public Safety assist federal officers? 

The Department of Public Safety will comply with all applicable laws. 

Can a student decline the request of a federal officer for permission to enter their residence hall room, home, or apartment?

Yes. Moreover, a student may refuse entry to any immigration enforcement officer who has an administrative warrant, which is a warrant that is not signed by a judge and typically will say “Department of Homeland Security” at the top.  However, under no circumstances should a student physically block, impede, or otherwise interfere with the actions of an officer. 

In all cases, individuals have the right to remain silent under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and do not need to answer questions, or sign or provide any documents without a lawyer present.

What should an employee do if a federal immigration officer asks for information or records about a student or employee?

Immediately contact the Office of General Counsel at 718-990-5699 or hurwitj@stjohns.edu.