February 12, 2026 | Combined Reports

UConn Provides Guidance on Potential On-Campus Interactions with Immigration Agents

No reports received of planned of confirmed campus visits

The oak leaf seal of the University of Connecticut.

(Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

To the University Community,

While we have not received any reports of federal immigration authorities appearing or planning to appear on UConn’s campuses, recent events across the nation have raised questions within our community regarding what students, faculty, and staff can or should do in the event they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on UConn property.

The university has updated and streamlined the guidance for students, faculty, and staff:

Graphic depicting three steps to navigate potential immigration activity

Here is a Q&A document on this subject that students, faculty, and staff should review carefully. It includes a discussion of what is a “public” versus “non-public” space on our campuses.

This is the guidance previously released by the governor’s office.

In reviewing this guidance/protocol, it is important to be aware that it is not unusual for external law enforcement agencies, including the Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to come to a UConn campus. Further, their presence is entirely permissible. For that reason, this guidance is not intended to suggest that external law enforcement, including immigration officials, should be stopped and questioned if they are in public spaces on campus. Rather, this protocol should be followed when law enforcement seeks to enter a non-public space (such as a classroom or employee office) or seeks access to records.

Employees are advised not to interfere with or obstruct law enforcement officials under any circumstances. Employees are encouraged to contact the UConn Police Department, which operates 24/7, at any time if they have a concern about any person’s presence on campus.

For ease of reference:

Students

  • International students and visiting scholars can visit the Center for International Students & Scholars website for updated guidance on travel concerns and emerging trends related to their immigration status, and to connect with international advising staff who can provide individualized guidance.

Faculty and Staff

  • UConn employees with questions related to employment-based visa sponsorship may contact Alison Cutler, Anne Gardsbane, or Christene Cooper in Human Resources.
  • Faculty and Staff with general questions or concerns about changing immigration policies and their impact on the university community may contact Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs.
  • The International Office at UConn Health is responsible for all visas for international students and staff/faculty employed through UConn Health. Reach out to Kaitlin Dornenburg, Department of Human Resources, for assistance.

In addition, the university has shared a listing of legal resources and community partners that may be able to provide information or assist members of our community, which also remains current.

 

University Communications