Boston University students express concern over President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts after he signed an executive order Jan. 20 allowing federal immigration agents to enter “sanctuary” spaces, including schools.
Students are concerned about the potential arrival of Immigration Customs Enforcement agents on campus after the order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” was signed.
BU Spokesperson Colin Riley wrote in an email to The Daily Free Press that “the University is reviewing and assessing the recent Executive Orders and policy changes.”
Riley wrote the BU Safety, Security and Preparedness Office website has information for students about federal immigration policy.
BU Student Government President Akwasi Antwi said he believes the mass deportation efforts will have a serious impact on BU due to the institution’s large number of employees and significance in Boston.
“The catch is that the people that they’re deporting now are ‘getting charged with a crime,’” Antwi said. “How long until we have people in our community in Boston getting deported even though they’ve not been charged with a crime?”
Antwi said he plans to work with the Dean of Students Office, BU President Melissa Gilliam, BU Police Department and BU College Democrats to help educate and protect BU students from mass deportation, despite the administration’s public “radio silence.”
StuGov is communicating with the DOS Office for a “clearer picture” of its policy for cooperation with ICE, Antwi said. He said there is currently a “gray area” around how BU will respond in the event of a confirmed ICE sighting or interaction between an ICE agent and a member of the BU community.
“Our main priority now is just making sure that we get the resources from the relevant administration and making sure that we’re able to disseminate that information,” Antwi said.
BUCD Treasurer Sean Waddington said BUCD is collaborating with the American Civil Liberties Union to organize a “Know Your Rights” session, so students, undocumented or not, can learn what to do if they are approached by an ICE agent.
“We are doing what we can to protect folks on an individual level, and then follow the guidance and leadership of state and local leaders,” Waddington said.
BUCD collaborated with 10 student organizations, including Students for Reproductive Freedom, Students Demand Action BU and BU Young Democratic Socialists of America, on a letter to University administrators sharing concerns about Trump’s executive orders and mass deportation efforts.
Vice President for Safety, Security and Preparedness Kelly Nee emailed a response to the groups Jan. 31 assuring that SSP and BUPD are dedicated to protecting all members of the BU community, “regardless of immigration status.”
“We recognize that recent changes in immigration enforcement policies have created uncertainty and concern,” Nee wrote. “As members of the University community, we are sensitive to the fear and confusion these changes may bring, and we want to reaffirm our commitment to your safety, well-being, and peace of mind.”
Nee wrote BUPD is not lawfully required to uphold federal immigration laws.
Freshman Colin Sharpe, a member of BU College Republicans, said he doesn’t think BU will be impacted heavily by mass deportation because he doesn’t think many BU students are illegal immigrants.
“We have a lot of international students, but I think they all tend to pretty much be here legally,” Sharpe said.
Cindy Zheng, a freshman and international student, said she was concerned whether Trump’s immigration policies could affect her after witnessing fellow international students across the U.S. struggle after Trump took office.
“One of my friends, she got back just after [Jan.] 20, and she is not able to get in America,” Zheng said.
Zheng said she received a message before winter break from the International Students and Scholars Office warning students to avoid traveling outside the U.S.
“We knew that Trump isn’t very friendly to the international [students],” said Zheng. “We just don’t know what will happen in the future.”
