Victor Ortega RIO GRANDE VALLEY – A change in law enforcement operations under the Trump administration in late January, now allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement search some areas of public schools.
Alvaro Corral, political science assistant professor, explained the history behind the guideline change.
“The Obama administration early in its first term put out what’s called the Morton memo, and it directed [Department of Homeland Security] ICE to essentially not conduct operations in [schools, hospitals and churches] because they were deemed sensitive locations,” Corral said. “The Trump administration in this term almost since day one or maybe day two has revoked that directive to DHS ICE.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman issued the directive that rescinded law enforcement guidelines on sensitive areas.
The news release states the rescission was done to empower federal officials to reach “criminal aliens” that use places like American schools and churches to hide from authorities.
Adan Cruz, University Police Chief, detailed how University Police can remove people from UTRGV grounds.
“Section 51.209 of the Education Code states that an institution of higher education, the governing board of an institution of higher education, or a private or independent institution of higher education or the governing boards of authorized representatives, that would be us, may refuse to allow persons having no legitimate business to enter on property under the board’s control and may eject any undesirable person from the property on the person’s refusal to leave peaceably upon request,” Cruz stated.
KVAQ-TV reached out to UTRGV Vice President for University Marketing and Communications Patrick Gonzales about immigration officers now being able to enter schools to search “sensitive areas.”
Gonzales provided us with a Frequently Asked Questions website from the Office of Legal Affairs as a resource on the university’s protocols if an immigration officer sets foot at UTRGV.
The website reiterates that non-university law enforcement officials can enter public areas on campus.
However, restricted areas like classrooms, offices and dorms are off-limits for federal authorities if a warrant signed by a judge is not presented.
“[Students, staff and faculty] can ask for a signed judicial warrant to be presented, and then and only then can federal officials enter the premise. Without that, people have their right to remain silent and to not open doors to private personal spaces,” Corral explained.
The Office of Legal Affairs adds that they cannot provide personal legal advice on immigration cases but can provide resources that can help on its website.
If you or someone you know feels unsafe or is concerned, about their situation, the Office of Legal Affairs advises to reach out to UTRGV Student Life and Dean of Students and the Counseling Center.
UTRGV STUDENT LIFE & DEAN OF STUDENTS
BSTUN 1.20 | EUCTR 323
(956)-882-5141 or (956)-665-2260
dos@utrgv.edu
COUNSELING CENTER
BSTUN 2.10 | EUCTR 109
(956)-882-3897 or (956)-665-2574
counseling@utrgv.edu
As a U.S. citizen and a student, it’s absolutely unfair that those who pay so much to attend UTRGV can’t even feel safe on campus. The fact that immigration officers can now enter certain areas of schools under this policy is outrageous. Students should be focused on their education, not living in fear of being targeted in a place that’s supposed to be a safe learning environment.
UTRGV should not allow this. The university represents the Rio Grande Valley, and if students start feeling unsafe, attendance will drop, and many might even be forced to leave their education behind. School is a privilege, even though it should be a right, and it’s unacceptable that those who are trying to pursue a better future now have to worry about whether they’re even safe on their own campus.
If UTRGV truly cares about its students, it must take a stand. The university has resources and funding to fight back whether that means hiring legal support, setting stronger protections in place, or taking public action to defend its students. UTRGV constantly boasts about high enrollment numbers, but what’s the point if you’re not even willing to protect the students who trust you with their education and future? They should be ashamed for allowing this to even happen. Students deserve better.