Immigration FAQs

This briefing document outlines responses to frequently asked questions related to law enforcement personnel on campus, including local, state, or federal law enforcement officers from Immigration Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security. This is not legal advice but provides guiding principles to help provide clarity to our campus community. 

Idaho State University values the important role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety and is committed to complying with all applicable laws while ensuring clarity for our campus community.

It is important to note that law enforcement officers may be on campus for reasons unrelated to enforcement actions, such as career recruitment events, guest speakers, or other activities. 

Can law enforcement officers come to any of the campuses of Idaho State University?

Yes. As a public institution, Idaho State University is largely open to the public. Law enforcement officers may enter any areas open to the general public without a warrant. Public areas are those where access is not restricted or limited and are freely accessible, including outdoor and common-use areas. Some examples include the Hutchinson Quadrangle, Student Union common areas, library common areas, dining areas open to the public, unrestricted access buildings, parking lots, and streets.

What should I do if law enforcement tries to access a restricted access or limited access area such as a classroom or a residence hall?

Restricted access areas are those that require a key card, locked doors, or monitored entryways for access and are protected to maintain safety and privacy. This includes residence halls, locked classrooms or laboratories, administrative offices, and restricted research areas. 

Limited access areas are spaces generally left unlocked during work hours but are not considered public areas due to their function. Access to these areas may require special permission or operational needs. Examples of limited access areas include faculty offices, classrooms in session, locker rooms, kitchens, food preparation areas, maintenance areas, storage rooms, and other operational areas. 

ISU has developed a protocol to assist everyone in the event a law enforcement officer requests access to non-public, restricted, or limited access areas. Please take the following steps:

1. Remain calm and professional. 
1. Stay composed to avoid escalating the situation.
2. Do not physically block access to the area.
   ISU faculty and staff should not impede access to any area or put themselves in a compromising position
3. Direct law enforcement officers to the appropriate contact.
   Inform the officers that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact the appropriate person.
1. IMMEDIATELY contact Public Safety at 208-282-2515 for all campus locations. ISU Public Safety will dispatch Public Safety Officers and/or local law enforcement to each of the following campus locations.
   1. Pocatello Campus 
   2. Meridian Campus 
   3. Idaho Falls Campus 
   4. Twin Falls Campus 
   5. Alaska Campus 
4. Inform ISU Public Safety Dispatch of your location. Tell them you have a law enforcement officer there and that they need to send an officer immediately. 
5. Public Safety will work collaboratively with the Office of General Counsel to verify the documents needed for the access requested. This is not something that any ISU faculty or staff member should do themselves. 

If a law enforcement officer requests personal information from a faculty or staff member about a student or an employee, including class rosters, am I obligated to provide it?

No, FERPA privacy laws apply to student information, and employee privacy laws apply to personnel records. Public Safety, in consultation with General Counsel, will determine what information is appropriate to give to any law enforcement officer. Guidelines about FERPA

Can a student who is a resident in a residence hall refuse to allow a law enforcement officer to enter their residence hall room?

A resident hall room is considered a limited access area and cannot be legally accessed by law enforcement without a valid judicial warrant or the occupant’s voluntary consent. Any student who has questions should contact Public Safety at (208) 282-2515. 

I work in a university clinic or student health. Am I obligated to provide patient information to a law enforcement officer?

Patient privacy is protected by HIPPA. Please do not give access to patient records and contact Public Safety at (208) 282-2515 for assistance. General counsel will review and determine what information may be appropriate to give to a law enforcement officer.  

How do I guide a student who has contacted me with questions or concerns?

International students can contact the International Programs Office at (208) 282-5304 with questions or concerns.

Any student or faculty member can contact the Dean of Students Office at (208) 282-4220.