This brief FAQ is intended to help members of the Wayne State University community navigate issues that may arise if federal immigration enforcement actions are carried out on WSU’s campus by representatives of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This FAQ is not intended to provide legal or other guidance about how to comply with immigration laws. Individuals who need such guidance should consult with an appropriate attorney or organization of their own choosing. Detroit’s Office of Immigrant Affairs provides resources and links to local organizations working on these matters, including the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, which offers guidance to individuals who may be stopped by ICE in public.

What should I do if ICE representatives attempt to take action on campus?

Immediately contact the Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) at 313-577-2222. (Programming this number into your phone is a good idea.) WSUPD can then interface with the ICE representatives to ensure enforcement actions are carried out in a lawful manner. Consistent with typical, historic practices, all outside law enforcement agencies, including ICE, notify and coordinate with WSUPD to protect the rights and safety of all members of the WSU community.

Does WSUPD initiate immigration enforcement?

No. WSUPD and the Detroit Police Department abide by this section in the Detroit Municipal Code:

Sec. 23-8-5. - Solicitation of immigration status by public servants who are police officers prohibited; exceptions.

(a) A public servant who is a police officer:

(1) Shall not solicit information concerning immigration status for the purpose of ascertaining a person's compliance with federal immigration law; or

(2) Shall not solicit information concerning immigration status from a person who is seeking police services, or is a victim, or is a witness; or

(3) Shall not subject a person to a higher level of scrutiny or to different treatment should a person utilize a passport or municipal identification card as a form of identification.

(b) Notwithstanding the prohibitions set forth in Subsection (a) of this section, public servants who are police officers are expressly permitted to solicit information concerning immigration status from the subject of an investigation only when relevant to the investigation or prosecution of a violent criminal offense, or when processing an arrested person on suspicion of committing a violent felony as defined in Section 23-8-2 of this Code.

What spaces on our campus are accessible to law enforcement?

In general, the public spaces at Wayne State University are open to all members of our community, law enforcement included. However, certain areas such as residential halls, classrooms and other spaces restricted to those with a Wayne State University ID are not open to law enforcement without the presentation of a judicial warrant. If you have questions about any action of this nature taking place on campus, contact WSUPD at 313-577-2222.

What should I do if an ICE representative asks for access to a space that I think is restricted, such as a residence hall or classroom?

In the unlikely event this occurs, contact WSUPD at 313-577-2222 immediately. WSUPD and the Office of the General Counsel will evaluate any potential enforcement actions underway.

Does Wayne State retain data on the immigration status of its students?

The university follows all legal obligations regarding the protection of the privacy of its students’ and employees’ personal information and data. In general, the university does not retain or share student immigration information and data. In a few specific circumstances, the university is required to share data for certain F-1 or J-1 visa students or employee I-9 data as compelled by law. WSU’s Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is available to support students and to provide advice on maintaining status, assist with issues including immigration regulations and other questions or concerns.

What should I do if an ICE representative asks for student or employee information or data?

In the unlikely event this occurs, contact WSUPD at 313-577-2222 immediately. WSUPD and the Office of the General Counsel will evaluate any potential enforcement actions underway. The university follows all legal obligations regarding the protection of the privacy of its students’ and employees’ personal information and data.