As we head further into these uncertain times, the threat to our lives and those of our friends and families has become more real every day. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or I.C.E, is a government agency under the Department of Homeland Securities. With an annual budget of around $8 billion, they have the funds to make real, helpful change in the nation, yet as of late seem to be less focused on making the country safer. As many of us are aware, there were recently two murders in Minneapolis carried out by I.C.E agents. All involved have been put on paid leave by the administration while investigations continue, and so far, no real punishment has been handed out despite the lives lost, the families destroyed, and the people hurt by these tragedies.

So, how does this affect us as students? I.C.E is not exclusively targeting immigrants, but instead anyone who they deem suspicious. Last September, the Supreme Court ruled that I.C.E can use apparent race and ethnicity to make stops, which allows a much broader range of power for these agents. Take a moment to think of your peers who are here out of town, out of state, out of their home country. Think about how horrifying it would be to have to wonder if your family will be home when you return for spring break, for the weekend, or for a holiday. This is not meant to incite fear within the campus but instead to bring awareness to the real concerns that people are now experiencing every single day.

As young adults, we often look at our mentors whenever we’re in a situation that feels unsure. We will not always have this option available to us in an emergency. If I.C.E shows up on campus, at your front door, or at your job, it’s important to know what you can legally do. No matter what your citizenship status is, you do not have to disclose it to an agent. You have the right to remain silent, you have the right to document, and you have the right to not allow them into your home without a warrant. You do not have to answer their questions, sign anything they’re asking you to sign, or show anything they’re asking for. Stay calm, stay aware, and stay educated. 

If we are all at risk, how is I.C.E truly protecting public safety, and when will we as a community finally decide that this needs to end? Consider that the next time you skip over a news article, the next time you sigh in class when you hear your peers talking about it, and the next time you decide to be unaware of what is going on around you.