Three major Florida universities want to give their campus police the power to help enforce federal immigration laws, a move that’s drawing both support and criticism.
Key Facts:
- Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, and University of South Florida seek authority under ICE’s 287(g) program.
- If approved, campus police could interrogate and arrest individuals over immigration status.
- Governor Ron DeSantis directed all state law enforcement, including university police, to support federal immigration enforcement.
- The change follows recent visa revocations targeting international students by federal agencies.
- Schools had previously been considered “sensitive locations,” shielded from immigration enforcement.
The Rest of the Story: Florida Campus Police Deputized for Immigration
Florida’s three major public universities are applying to join a federal program that would give their police departments authority to carry out immigration duties on campus.
The 287(g) agreement, run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allows trained local officers to question and detain individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.
This shift follows a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis, requiring state law enforcement agencies to support federal immigration actions.
Though the schools are not yet officially part of the program, they are following state-level expectations outlined in a February 2025 policy order.
Critics argue the change could create fear on campuses, especially among immigrant and international students.
FAU student Jennica Charles said the move feels unsafe and discriminatory.
Higher ed advocacy groups warn it could deter students from engaging in normal campus life out of fear of enforcement.
Commentary: Deputizing Campus Police Makes Sense
Giving campus police immigration enforcement authority is a logical response to growing unrest on college campuses.
What started as pro-Palestinian protests has too often morphed into anti-Israel hate speech, vandalism, and harassment of Jewish students and faculty.
These are not peaceful demonstrations—they’ve become a breeding ground for lawlessness.
Many of the individuals behind these aggressive protests are international students, some with ties to extremist ideologies or openly supporting Hamas.
They’re here on temporary visas, yet they’re using U.S. taxpayer-funded campuses to push agendas that have no place in a civil society.
It makes sense for campus police—already trained and embedded within the university environment—to have the tools to identify who’s legally allowed to be here.
This is not about targeting lawful students; it’s about restoring order and protecting students from rising hostility.
Universities shouldn’t be immune from the rule of law.
If international students are engaging in illegal activity or supporting terrorist causes, law enforcement must act quickly and effectively.
Having to wait for ICE to respond wastes time and allows dangerous situations to escalate.
This approach streamlines enforcement, improves campus safety, and ensures the law applies equally—no exceptions just because it’s a university setting.
For too long, schools have acted as sanctuaries without accountability.
That needs to change.
The Bottom Line: Florida Campus Police Deputized for Immigration
Florida’s top universities are taking a bold step toward restoring order and accountability on campuses.
Empowering campus police with immigration authority ensures faster response times, protects vulnerable students, and addresses threats at their source.
The move may spark debate, but for many, it’s a necessary course correction.
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