Tension is mounting at Florida International University as student protests are set to occur today, following the revelation that campus police have entered into a cooperation agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) The partnership aligns with a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis mandating law enforcement agencies' collaboration with ICE, as reported by NBC Miami. The United Faculty of Florida chapter at FIU is demanding that the university revoke this agreement and ensure transparency about the status of the impacted students.
According to 7News, students are expressing dismay and feelings of betrayal over the university's decision. "It’s shocking because the school name is Florida International University," Natasha Salleh told 7News. The partnership allows for campus police to question and potentially detain students suspected of having illegal U.S. residency status – a measure that goes against the institution's mission, as one student pointed out. Meanwhile, other students have voiced support, believing it could create more opportunities for those legally in the country.
Amidst the controversy, FIU officials confirmed that, between March 25 and April 10, the F1 visas of 18 students were terminated, details first reported by the Miami New Times and later confirmed by FIU. "FIU Police Department has signed a cooperation agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in compliance with Governor Ron DeSantis’ directive to law enforcement agencies," the university stated, reflecting a measure affecting a diverse student body which, according to U.S. News and World Report, is nearly 70% Hispanic.
The policy has left much of FIU's student community enraged, with one student emphasizing the implications for those with personal connections to undocumented immigrants. "Lots of students here are immigrants or have parents who are immigrants who are undocumented and many students who were detained probably deserve a chance and opportunity to study here," the student explained to 7News. FIU is not alone in its partnership; other Florida universities like the University of Florida and University of South Florida have also collaborated with ICE. One notable case involved a University of Florida student, Felipe Zapata Velasquez, who was detained by campus police and later opted to self-deport to Colombia after his F1 student visa was terminated.
This change in immigration policy comes as President Donald Trump stated that visas should be considered a privilege rather than a right. As the situation develops, the FIU community—along with others across the state—is responding to the effects of the policy changes, which impact international student populations pursuing education and opportunities in the United States.
