Key Takeaways
• University of Florida first public university in Florida to sign a 287(g) agreement, empowering campus police for immigration enforcement.
• At least eight student visas have been revoked at University of Florida since the 287(g) program started.
• Concerns grow among students and faculty about racial profiling, loss of trust, and declining international enrollment.
Florida’s public universities are taking steps to change how immigration laws are enforced on their campuses. Several universities, including the University of Florida 🇺🇸, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of South Florida, have decided to let their campus police officers help with immigration enforcement by joining the federal 287(g) program. This move comes after a directive in February 2025 from Governor Ron DeSantis, urging state universities to work more closely with federal immigration officials. The goal, according to supporters, is to improve campus safety and support national immigration laws. But for many students, faculty, and legal experts, this change brings new worries and raises big questions about the future of university life in the state.
What Is the 287(g) Program?
The 287(g) program is an agreement between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When police departments—or in this case, university campus police—sign up for 287(g), they allow certain officers to act as immigration agents after getting special training from ICE. These officers gain the power to:
– Question people about their immigration status.
– Check documents.
– Make arrests related to immigration, often without needing a warrant in some cases.
Traditionally, 287(g) was seen in bigger local police departments or sheriff’s offices, not on college campuses. The step to bring this to universities is both new and controversial.
How Florida Universities Are Adopting 287(g)
The University of Florida 🇺🇸 has become the first public university in the state to officially sign a 287(g) agreement, as confirmed by university officials. Florida Atlantic University and the University of South Florida are also making moves to join, with their leaderships in talks to finalize similar deals soon. This means campus police at these schools may soon be trained by ICE and take on duties that go beyond normal campus law enforcement.
In the past, universities were considered “sensitive locations.” This meant that immigration enforcement, like raids or questioning about legal status, was not supposed to happen on campus except in rare situations. The new policy changes that. Now, campus police will be able to work directly with ICE within the university setting.
The shift, inspired by policy direction from Governor Ron DeSantis, is the first time universities in Florida 🇺🇸 have chosen to partner with federal immigration enforcement in this way. Ron DeSantis’s broader approach to immigration has always leaned toward stronger enforcement measures in many parts of the state’s public services and institutions.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of these changes is important. There has been increasing political attention on immigration policies nationwide, especially in the run-up to high-profile elections. National debates have influenced actions at the state and local levels, including decisions made by universities.
On college campuses, thousands of international students from countries outside the United States 🇺🇸 come each year to study, conduct research, and take part in campus life. Many university leaders say these students are essential, for both their academic contributions and the tuition money they bring. Having campus police involved in immigration enforcement risks changing the entire feeling on campus for these students, as well as for U.S. citizens who might feel worried about profiling or unfair treatment.
What’s Already Happening at the University of Florida
At the University of Florida 🇺🇸, officials have already confirmed that the 287(g) program is in place. Since it started, there have been reports that at least eight students had their visas revoked. This means that their legal permission to study in the United States 🇺🇸 was taken away, often leading to them having to leave the country or facing other major disruptions to their lives and studies.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that these changes put many students on edge. People who once felt protected by the university’s “sensitive location” status now wonder if their immigration status could be questioned during everyday campus life. College campuses used to be one of the few places where students from around the world felt safe, and now that sense of safety has changed.
The Student and Faculty Response
The reaction at universities has been strong. Many students, faculty members, and advocacy groups have voiced deep concerns. People like Jennica Charles at Florida Atlantic University have shared their worries out loud, saying that the new power given to university police could lead to racial profiling. She’s not alone. Real fears are being discussed in classrooms, student group meetings, and throughout the campus communities.
The biggest concerns raised include:
– Possible Racial Profiling: People are worried that students could be treated differently or unfairly just because of how they look or the language they speak.
– Loss of Trust: If campus police are seen as working directly with immigration authorities, students may be less likely to ask for help or report problems, making campuses less safe for everyone.
– Impact on Free Expression: International students and others might avoid talking openly, joining groups, or participating in campus life if they fear attention from authorities.
Supporters of the policy say it helps keep campuses secure. But opponents point out that the cost may be the trust and inclusion that universities have tried to build over decades.
What Legal and Education Experts Are Saying
Legal experts who study immigration laws have stepped forward to warn about unintended effects. They highlight that international students often make up a large portion of universities’ income. Their fees are much higher than those paid by local students, and their financial contribution supports many academic programs.
But it’s not just about money. International students also bring new ideas and different cultures, making college a more interesting place, and helping everyone learn from each other. Experts say that new immigration enforcement rules could discourage students from coming to study at places like the University of Florida 🇺🇸, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of South Florida.
If students from overseas begin to think Florida 🇺🇸 campuses are less welcoming, they might choose to go to other states or countries instead. Some legal scholars worry this could harm the universities’ global standing in research, science, and culture.
Could This Affect Other Students?
While international students feel the most direct impact, the new policy could touch everyone on campus. If students start to feel that the police are watching them for immigration reasons, they might avoid taking part in important activities, like student government, public protests, or even asking for mental health support.
Campus organizations that work to support immigrant and international students have said the new approach could make vulnerable students less likely to come forward when they’re in trouble, increasing risks to their safety and well-being.
What Is Governor Ron DeSantis’s Role?
Governor Ron DeSantis has been one of the country’s leading voices calling for strict immigration action in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. The February 2025 directive that led to these agreements was part of a much larger push to increase cooperation with federal agencies like ICE. Ron DeSantis says these actions help keep Florida 🇺🇸 residents safe and make sure the laws are followed.
People who support the governor agree, saying strong rules on immigration make schools and cities safer. But those who disagree say these actions are too harsh and break down trust in places that should be open and welcoming, like universities.
How Do Other Universities Choose to Handle Immigration Enforcement?
Across the United States 🇺🇸, the approach to immigration enforcement on college campuses is different depending on the state, the school’s leadership, and the political climate. Some states have passed laws to protect immigrant students and keep enforcement agencies away from campuses unless there’s a very clear threat.
Many top universities, especially in states that are friendly to immigrants, have taken steps to publicly say their campuses will remain open and not share information with immigration authorities except when absolutely required by law. These schools believe that protecting student privacy and supporting international students is key to staying competitive worldwide.
Florida 🇺🇸’s move to use the 287(g) program on university campuses is unusual and is being closely watched by educators, policymakers, and immigrant advocates nationwide.
What Could Happen Next?
With the University of Florida 🇺🇸, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of South Florida all on track to have their police take part in immigration enforcement, more universities in Florida 🇺🇸 may soon follow. This could make Florida 🇺🇸 the first state in the country where multiple universities work so closely with ICE.
Some people believe this could set a pattern, with schools in other states copying what Florida 🇺🇸 is doing. Others hope that pushback from students, faculty, and legal challenges might slow down or even stop the adoption of similar programs elsewhere.
International students, especially those who are thinking about coming to Florida 🇺🇸 for college, may now look for schools in other states or even other countries that do not have close partnerships with federal immigration enforcement.
What Steps Can Students Take?
If you are a student at the University of Florida 🇺🇸 or any other university in Florida 🇺🇸, you may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself.
Here’s a simple checklist:
– Know Your Rights: Students should learn what campus police can and cannot do under the 287(g) program. There are many guides and resources from trusted groups that explain student rights simply.
– Keep Immigration Papers Updated: Having valid and up-to-date documentation is essential. Students should always make copies and store them in a safe place.
– Find Legal Help: Many universities offer free legal advice to students dealing with immigration issues.
– Report Concerns: If you feel that you have been treated unfairly or witnessed profiling, use official reporting channels at your university.
For the latest information, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) page on the 287(g) program explains the rules for how local law enforcement can work with immigration officers.
What Are the Long-Term Effects?
The effects of these changes may not be felt fully for several months or even years. Some experts predict fewer international students will choose to attend schools in Florida 🇺🇸. Others say that university communities may grow more divided if trust in campus police falls.
At the same time, students and advocates may find new ways to support and protect each other. Faculty and staff might push for policies to make sure the campus remains welcoming to all, no matter where someone is from. Universities could add more legal resources or set up education campaigns so everyone knows their rights.
Final Thoughts
The decision by the University of Florida 🇺🇸, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of South Florida to take part in the 287(g) program marks a major change in how public universities interact with federal immigration officials. While the goal of increasing safety is clear to supporters, the effects on students—especially those from outside the United States 🇺🇸—raise real and important questions.
This new policy, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis’s direction for stricter enforcement, may shape how universities across the country view their roles and their responsibilities to students from around the world. As the situation develops, keeping an eye on facts, understanding rights, and staying involved will be key for everyone on campus.
For readers who want more in-depth details about how local law enforcement works with immigration officials, or want to see the official rules, the 287(g) program page from ICE is a useful resource. And for regular updates and smart analysis on the latest immigration policies, VisaVerge.com remains an important source of accurate and timely information.
Learn Today
287(g) program → A federal initiative allowing local or campus police to enforce immigration laws after training by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and handling visa, deportation, and removal operations in the United States.
Sensitive location → Places like campuses where immigration enforcement is typically avoided except in exceptional circumstances or imminent threats.
Visa Revocation → The act of canceling a student’s legal permission to study and remain in the United States, often requiring immediate departure.
Racial Profiling → Unfairly targeting individuals for scrutiny or enforcement based solely on their appearance, language, or national origin.
This Article in a Nutshell
Florida’s public universities now allow campus police to help enforce immigration laws through the 287(g) program. This major shift, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis’s directive, has led to revoked student visas and heightened concerns over profiling and safety, potentially changing the entire experience for international and U.S. students alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
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