Chicago City Wire

The University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) has issued a protocol for undocumented students and community members if they observe or experience immigration enforcement efforts on campus—including how to "report the presence" of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on campus and who to contact in case of an "immigration related emergency."   

UIC's sanctuary-like policies for undocumented students are drawing scrutiny in light of the Trump administration’s decision to end protections that previously shielded schools from immigration enforcement. 

In a Sept. 2 email, UIC addressed the possibility of ICE activity on campus in addition to President Donald Trump's announcement that he will deploy National Guard troops to Chicago due to rising crime.

The email, titled “Guidance for External Law Enforcement Engagement, Campus Safety, and Well-Being Resources,” was sent by Kevin Booker, Chief of UIC Police, and John Coronado, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services. 

“The semester begins with uncertainty about heightened law enforcement across Chicago, including reports of possible increased immigration enforcement and National Guard deployment,” the email reads. “We understand these developments may cause concern. Our priority is ensuring that every student, faculty, staff, patient and visitor feels supported, respected and safe on campus.” 

The email also advises how to interact with external law enforcement officers, including contacting UIC Police rather than engaging directly with federal officers who seek access to campus buildings or individuals.

“Report the presence of external law enforcement on campus,” the email reads.  

In the guidance, UIC provides tips on how to handle interactions with federal law enforcement and encourages all community members to “carry your UIC i-card and identification at all times,” avoid unnecessary risks and keep vehicle documentation current. 

“International students and faculty who experience an immigration-related emergency should contact the Office of International Services,” the message reads. 

It closes with a list of safety resources available, including the UIC Safe app, walking escorts, free Night Ride transportation and health and wellness programs.

UIC’s guidance came just days before the Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Midway Blitz, a targeted immigration enforcement campaign focused on illegal aliens with criminal records in Chicago and across Illinois. 

The initiative was announced in honor of Katie Abraham, a Glenview native killed in a hit-and-run by an illegal alien in Urbana earlier this year.

Critics argue that policies by universities such as UIC's undermine federal immigration law and legal residents. UIC has also come under fire for promoting resources like the United We Dream Student Guidebook, which helps illegal immigrant students overcome “legal and financial barriers tied to their unauthorized status.” 

This guidebook, created by an immigrant advocacy group, is featured on UIC’s website and is seen by opponents as encouraging evasion of federal immigration laws and enforcement.  

Critics argue that by offering in-state tuition and specialized support to illegal immigrant students, universities like UIC are in direct conflict with federal authorities and effectively strain public resources. They contend the university is prioritizing illegal immigrant students over legal citizens.   

“Hard-working Americans shouldn’t have their tax dollars spent on the education of individuals who entered the country unlawfully instead of their own children,” Emily Sturge wrote of the issue in Campus Reform. 

Texas is the latest state in 2025 to end its policy allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students, following Florida and Oklahoma. 

The change came after a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, which argued that the policy violated federal law by granting benefits to individuals in the country illegally. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional, ending the program in June that had been in place since 2001. 

Critics argue that Illinois’ policy allowing illegal immigrant students to qualify for in-state tuition effectively rewards unlawful behavior while burdening legal residents already facing rising tuition costs and limited resources.

Amid a nationwide immigration crackdown, UIC's current immigrant advocacy programs are at risk of triggering sanctions, including the loss of funding.