Bethel College

Office of Culture and Belonging

This page contains the latest resources that may be helpful in providing information on immigration matters for students and employees.

Please click on the following boxes to expand the relevant sections.

You have the right to remain silent.
If ICE agents come to your door, you are not required to answer their questions. You have the right to remain silent. You may say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my attorney.”
You have the right to ask for identification.
ICE officers must identify themselves and show their badges if they are at your door. You can ask to see their identification before engaging with them. If they refuse to show their identification, you are under no obligation to open the door.

You do not have to let ICE in without a warrant.
- You are not required to open the door unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge. If the officers claim they have a warrant, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to the window so you can examine it. Make sure the warrant is signed by a judge and specifies the address where they are authorized to search.
- If the ICE agents do not have a valid warrant, you can refuse entry. Politely say, “I do not consent to your entry,” and do not open the door.
You have the right to call an attorney.
- If you are detained or questioned by ICE, you have the right to contact an attorney. If you do not have an attorney, we can help you find legal representation. It is crucial that you do not sign anything or make any decisions without consulting an attorney.
- When you call an attorney, let them know it pertains to a detained client so they are able to handle the call adequately.
Stay calm and document the encounter.
If ICE comes to your door, try to stay calm and avoid confrontation. You can also record the interaction if it is safe to do so, as long as it does not interfere with their activities. This documentation can be useful if there are any legal issues or concerns later on.

If you are arrested, you have the right to know why.
If ICE arrests you, they must tell you the reason for the arrest. You also have the right to know what charges you are facing and may request a hearing before an immigration judge.
Know the rights of family members.
If you have family members in your home, know that they also have rights. They do not have to answer questions from ICE, and they also do not have to open the door without a warrant.

If a student’s immigration status is impacting their ability to attend classes, who can assist?
Please contact Sheryl Wilson, Bethel College Vice President of Culture and Belonging at swilson@bethelks.edu or (316) 284-5276

Remain calm and professional.
Stay composed to avoid escalating the situation.
Request identification and documentation.
Politely ask for the ICE agent’s name, identification number and agency affiliation.
Engage the designated university contact.
Inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact Sheryl Wilson, Bethel College Vice President of Culture and Belonging at swilson@bethelks.edu or (316) 284-5276.
Protect student and employee privacy.
- Again, inform the agent that you are consulting with appropriate university personnel who will be able to answer their questions and that you are not obstructing their process.
- Please do not answer questions that provide personally identifiable information about yourself or anyone else unless required by a valid subpoena/warrant. This ensures we remain compliant with FERPA and other applicable privacy laws. Examples of personally identifiable information may include and are not limited to name, contact information (phone number and/or email), class lists, student schedules, etc.
Seek and/or direct to additional support services as needed following the interaction.

Some content has been used with permission from Kansas State University.