Florida Universities Partner With ICE, Sparking Student Anxiety

Agreements give campus police immigration enforcement powers, raising concerns among diverse student populations.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Many Florida universities have signed agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that grant campus police departments the authority to conduct immigration enforcement and access federal databases to check immigration status. This has caused a new wave of anxiety among students, particularly those from immigrant and international backgrounds, as ICE raids have swept up thousands nationwide and sparked protests.

Why it matters

It is highly unusual for schools to cooperate so closely with federal immigration authorities. These partnerships could intimidate and alienate students, especially those from immigrant communities, and undermine universities' efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.

The details

At least 16 public higher-education institutions in Florida have agreed to join forces with ICE over the last year through 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement to assist with federal immigration enforcement. Florida International University, which is majority Hispanic, has faced student protests over its decision to cooperate with ICE. The university's police chief has said they would assist ICE with any immigration sweeps on campus, though that has not happened yet.

  • In July 2025, Florida International University signed an agreement to cooperate with ICE.
  • In February 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis directed state law enforcement agencies to work with ICE, saying it would lead to more "efficient" deportations.

The players

Florida International University

A public university in Miami that is majority Hispanic, and has faced student protests over its agreement to cooperate with ICE.

Carlton Daley

A student activist and engineering major at Florida International University who is concerned about the university's partnership with ICE.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican governor of Florida who directed state law enforcement agencies to work with ICE, saying it would lead to more "efficient" deportations.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has signed 287(g) agreements with at least 16 public universities in Florida, granting campus police departments immigration enforcement powers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They are perfectly OK and almost eager to be enacting this kind of social harm against our community.”

— Carlton Daley, Student activist (New York Times)

“The safety and well-being of every member of our campus community is always a top priority.”

— Amanda Ennis, Spokeswoman, University of North Florida (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow the 287(g) agreements between Florida universities and ICE to continue.

The takeaway

These partnerships between universities and federal immigration authorities are highly unusual and could have a chilling effect on diverse student populations, undermining efforts to promote inclusion on college campuses.