Dear Campus Community,
As your Chief of Public Safety, I want to address concerns regarding our department's role in federal immigration enforcement and clarify our policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Commitment to Immigration Enforcement
Our primary mission is to maintain the safety and security of our campus. We are committed to:
- Non-Detention: We will not detain or question individuals solely based on their immigration status
Access to Campus Facilities
ICE agents are not permitted to enter non-public areas of our campus, such as dormitories, offices, and classrooms, without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants issued by ICE do not grant authorization to access these areas.
Protection of Personal Information
The university requires a subpoena or a judicial warrant for the disclosure of non-public information to external law enforcement officers. To the extent federal law requires the university to provide access to records (such as through SEVIS, managed by the ISSO), the university will - unless prohibited from doing so - notify the individual whose records were accessed.
Legal Framework
Our policies align with guidance from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Lunn v. Commonwealth, which prohibits law enforcement from detaining individuals solely based on federal civil immigration detainers.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that recent developments may cause concern within our community. Please know that our department is here to support and protect all members of our campus, regardless of immigration status. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and valued.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our department.
Matthew T. Rushton
Assistant Vice President, Public Safety/Chief of Police
7.21.25
