We provide dedicated resources for undocumented students and those who come from mixed-status families. As a student at Illinois Central College, you receive the same comprehensive care, support, and high-quality education as every other student, regardless of your documentation or immigration status. This page provides a supportive guide so you can be well-informed to make progress towards your goals.
What Students Should Know About Immigration Enforcement and Support
At Illinois Central College, we are dedicated to protecting the privacy and rights of every student, regardless of immigration status, to the fullest extent allowable by law. Here’s what students should know about how employees are trained to respond if immigration officials come to campus or if anyone asks about your immigration status.
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How Your Information is Protected
State and federal laws, along with College policy, protect your personal information—including your immigration status. (Note: Illinois Central College does not collect immigration status during the enrollment process.)
We do not share your information with immigration officials unless:
- You give written consent,
- There is a court order,
- It is necessary for health and safety (e.g., medical emergency, natural disaster, or a credible threat to campus security), or
- Required for employee work authorization (I-9) audits.
In all other cases, the College will protect your confidential student educational information.
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What Happens If Immigration Officials Come to Campus
If U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials arrive on campus, College personnel are trained to take the following actions:
Employees will:
- Contact Campus Police at (309) 694-5223, who will then:
- Ask for the official’s name, agency, and identification.
- Request to see any official documents justifying their presence, such as a warrant signed by a judge.
- Ask the officials to wait while College administrators and the College’s legal counsel are contacted.
Until the appropriate administrator has consulted with the College’s legal counsel, staff will NOT:
- Answer questions or share information about students or employees.
- Release your information, such as your immigration status.
- Make you available for interviews.
Note: Unless compelled by law or occurring in spaces open to the public, colleges are not required to allow ICE or CBP agents to speak to/arrest students or employees.
- Contact Campus Police at (309) 694-5223, who will then:
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Procedures for Responding to Officials in College Buildings and Facilities
We want you to feel safe and informed wherever you are on campus. Here’s what you should know about how immigration enforcement officers may interact with students depending on the different types of College spaces—and how the College will respond in these different circumstances.
Public Areas (like lobbies, cafeterias, and walkways)
- What to expect: These areas are open to everyone, including federal officials. The College cannot stop them from entering public spaces.
- Your rights: College employees should not immediately answer questions about you or share your information. If you see or are approached by an immigration officer, you do not have to answer questions. Staff are trained to notify Campus Police and College administrators right away.
Classrooms (during class)
- What to expect: Officers cannot enter your classroom unless they have a valid judicial warrant.
- Your rights: Your instructor and staff are informed to call Campus Police, who are trained to check for proper documentation, notify College administrators and legal counsel, and to protect your privacy.
Restricted Areas (like private offices and private meeting rooms)
- What to expect: These spaces are not open to the public. Immigration officers can only enter if they have a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge.
- Your rights: Campus Police will ask to see official documentation from immigration officials and immediately contact the appropriate administrators. If officials lack a valid judicial warrant, officers will not be allowed to enter.
Note: Law enforcement officers from various agencies are authorized to be on campus in these areas for their own personal and professional educational purposes.
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Differences Between an Administrative and a Judicial Warrant
Administrative Warrant
- Issued by a government agency (like ICE)
- Says Department of Homeland Security
- May say Form I-200, I-203, I-205, I-286
- Does NOT require the college to comply
Judicial Warrant (Court Order)
- Issued by a court and signed by a judge
- Names a specific court at the top
- Signed by an individual judge at the bottom
- College MUST comply, but will notify you
Note: If immigration officials do not have a judicial warrant, the College will consult legal counsel and may deny access until a proper warrant is provided.
Resources
Know Your Rights. Below you’ll find links to a variety of resources on campus and in the community. One key community resource is the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. The site provides key Know Your Rights information as well as a support hotline.
Illinois Central College Resources
Local Resources
- The Immigration Project – Provides low-cost immigration legal services to Central and Southern Illinois, including Peoria. Services include citizenship assistance, DACA, family reunification, and removal defense.
Phone: (309) 829-8703 - Prairie State Legal Services (Peoria Office) – Provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals in central Illinois.
Address: 101 SW Adams St., Suite 800, Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 674-9831 - Heart of Illinois United Way 211 – Dial 211 for referrals to local social services, including food assistance, housing, and more.
Statewide and National Resources
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- IL Eyes on I.C.E. Network
- Illinois Immigration Information
- United We Dream
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- National Immigrant Justice Center
- National Immigration Law Center
- Immigrants Rising
- Informed Immigrant
- Family Preparedness Plan
Civic Engagement – Contacting Congress
In general, it’s typically better to reach out to your representative over the phone. When you call your Senator or Representative, it’s important that you tell them how you feel. Your voice matters!
U.S. Senators
- Senator Durbin: Online Message Form or call (202) 224-2152
- Senator Duckworth: Online Message Form or call (202) 224-2854
U.S. Representatives
- Find your Representative based on your address
- Call (202) 224-3121 (United States Capitol) to be connected to your representative or senators based on your zip code.
Need Help?
For additional support, please reach out to Dean of Students or contact Campus Police for immediate support.