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Oak Brook Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois University Moves Classes Online After ICE Presence Discovered
Lewis University cites safety concerns and community backlash over ICE operating in the same building.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Lewis University, an Illinois university, has moved all of its classes online after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is operating in the same Oak Brook building where the university is located. The university cited social media attention and community concerns regarding the potential for protests at the site as the reason for the precautionary move.
Why it matters
The presence of ICE in the same building as a university has raised concerns about student and faculty safety, as well as the university's ability to maintain a welcoming learning environment. This incident highlights the broader tensions around immigration enforcement and its impact on educational institutions and local communities.
The details
Lewis University is one of several tenants in the Oak Brook property, but does not have control over leasing decisions involving other occupants. In response to the discovery of ICE's presence, the university announced it would be moving all classes online in order to support a safe and productive learning environment for its students and faculty.
- On February 19, 2026, Lewis University announced it would be moving classes online.
The players
Lewis University
An Illinois university that is one of several tenants in the Oak Brook property where ICE is also operating.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which is operating in the same building as Lewis University.
What’s next
The university has not indicated any specific next steps, but will likely continue to monitor the situation and assess the appropriate response to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and faculty.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between educational institutions, immigration enforcement, and local communities, and the challenges universities face in maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment when confronted with such issues.
