By Ethan Santos. With the rise in mass deportations, many at QCC have expressed their concern for the well-being and safety of students who are undocumented, with some recommending resources that offer support. However, there is still a general lack of awareness of the policies and steps that students must take in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounter on campus.
One student, who is in her second year at Queensborough and studying to be a nurse, said that her friend stopped attending class out of fear that ICE agents might show up to QCC. The increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raiding public transportation, particularly buses, in New York City may also contribute to students who fear coming to school. According to a QCC summary of findings in 2022, “The majority of students (55%) reported taking a bus to campus.”
Additionally, a tutor at QCC said that she has also overheard undocumented students speak of being emotionally impacted.
Despite these encounters, most people reported not having seen or been personally affected by ICE. “It’s just sort of a fear that buzzes around,” one student puts it.
What is unclear is whether ICE possesses the legal authority to come onto campus without prior notice or consent. One individual claimed that that they heard rumors that schools are currently being raided. When members of the community were asked about this, they not only expressed sharp disapproval to the thought of ICE coming onto campus, but also believe that legitimate reasoning and authorization is necessary before entering since otherwise it can disrupt everyone’s focus.
CUNY along with certain individual professors have sent emails that share links to resources for undocumented students. Some resources include CUNY’s Undocumented Student Support Page while others include various legal resources for those facing deportation concerns. Despite these emails, most students did not appear to be familiar with these resources. When asked, most students said no or shook their head. One student stated that they were unaware that CUNY had any policies set in place for undocumented students if ICE were to be present on campus.
For that reason, it is important that students check their emails in case of important notifications. For example, in CUNY’s memorandum, it explicitly states that a judicial warrant is needed for ICE to enter into a college campus. Having knowledge of this can help to reduce students’ concerns about an unfair search.
CUNY’s Undocumented Student Support Page provides a simple and comprehensive step-by-step guide for what to do in the event a student encounters an ICE officer. Given the frequent ICE raids that have taken place in the city within the past month, there is no telling what could happen within the next four years. Therefore, it is crucial that students and faculty are aware of their rights with a clear understanding of CUNY’s policies, which can help to keep more students safe.
Another potential resource that can be of help is the Center for Tutoring and Academic Support. Although they are primarily a space for academic support, the tutor interviewed considers it a safe and supportive environment where students frequently come, allowing opportunities for students to connect with one another and offer all kinds of peer support.
While support and potential resources are critical steps to help those who are undocumented, understanding and being aware of the rights students’ possess as well as steps that need to be taken in the event of an ICE raid are equally important.
The thought of potential ICE raids on campus can generate a stressful and anxious atmosphere, many students said. When considering how QCC can help improve its support for undocumented immigrants, some suggested offering services that help with mental health or promoting clubs and events that can foster supportive conversations that create a welcoming environment for undocumented immigrants during a period of immense uncertainty.
“I think they should ask for some type of permit or something, you know? I don’t think it should be just allowed freely,” said one student. Another student believes that Queensborough should push back when possible if ICE agents wanted to enter because students depend on this school and view QCC as a safe space. “To be fair, I feel like they shouldn’t let them in,” she said. I mean, in this school you should feel safe. If you let them in, you’re losing your student’s trust.”
[Editor’s note: For more on this subject, see also “The Impact of ICE’s Crackdown” by Katherine Soto.]
