Amid a potential immigration enforcement surge just miles away in Findlay and December’s “Operation Buckeye” that resulted in the detention of 214 people across Ohio, students may be looking for guidance and information about how to respond if they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Following protests across Ohio against ICE operations, and in response to the deaths of Minnesotans Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom were shot by ICE agents in Minnesota, some Ohio universities have provided students with detailed information about how to respond if they encounter ICE.

However, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has not provided similar information to its students.

According to Signal Cleveland, there are parts of state-supported university campuses that are considered open to the public, such as student unions, libraries and outdoor spaces during business hours. But some locations are off-limits without a warrant, like residence halls, laboratories or other specialized facilities. 

BG Falcon Media is currently waiting for a University comment regarding what students can do if immigration officials come to campus. 

The University of Toledo provided information on its website that includes guidance on what to do if approached by immigration officials, as well as outlining whether or not an area of campus is considered public or private.

Ohio State University has an “ICE interaction Guide” on its website, as well as an example of dialogue to use when interacting with an ICE officer and sample warrant documents.  

Ohio University has similar information listed on its website as guidance in the event of ICE officers on campus, and documents that list students’ legal rights.

At the time of publication, BGSU does not have any information listed on its website regarding immigration officials on campus.

The sharing of resources and information about ICE comes amid potential ICE raids targeting Springfield, Ohio’s Haitian population, which is estimated to be about 12,000 or more within the area, according to Signal Ohio.

Findlay is also preparing for potential ICE activity targeting the city’s Haitian community, 13ABC reported.

Local and campus organizations in BG are providing training and resources to help people know their rights during potential encounters with ICE.

Groups including Bowling Green (BG) Persists, the Wood County Green Party, Ohio 50501 and BG Socialists organized an on-campus “Blow the Whistle on ICE” event on Feb. 7 that brought together multiple local organizations to make whistle kits that are used to warn others of ICE activity. 

The kits also include printed cards with information about one’s rights if they encounter ICE, what to do if they are detained by ICE and specific whistle codes to alert others of ICE presence, BG Socialists President Bryce Howard said.

BG Socialists was also among the organizations that hosted a protest against ICE in downtown BG on Friday, Feb. 6.

“There’s been an increase in ICE activity and ICE violence within our communities, and it’s not just centralized or confined to immediate communities,” Howard said.

He said events like this can also provide residents with important information that can help prepare for potential ICE activity in the community.

“Even if you don’t get the chance to make a whistle kit, there’s a lot of good information, like ‘know your rights,’ what to do if ICE is in your community and what to do if a friend or family member is detained,” Howard said.

Howard said those who were not able to attend the events can donate to help buy more whistle-making kit supplies. 

The National Immigrant Justice Center lists information that can help people know their rights to protect themselves and family:

Create a safety plan

• Identify emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.

Defend your rights 

• All persons, regardless of immigration status in the United States, have constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent when questioned or arrested by immigration officers. Being stopped by immigration officers or other law enforcement can be frightening, but it’s important to stay calm.
• Stay calm and don’t run, argue, resist or fight even if you believe your rights are being violated or you are being treated unfairly. Keep your hands where police can see them, and tell them if you need to reach into a glove compartment or for a wallet to show your papers.
• If an officer knocks on your door: Do not open the door. Teach your children not to open the door. Officers must have a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. 

Source: National Immigrant Justice Center