Williams: No Evidence of ICE Activity on Campus

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College is advising its community members in the wake of rumors that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel have been spotted on campus.

 

In a communitywide email on Wednesday afternoon, the school's director of Campus Safety Services said that the rumors of ICE activity have not been substantiated and advised recipients of their rights if they are approached by ICE agents.

 

"If you are approached by immigration officers, please contact CSS immediately," CSS Director Jeff Palmer wrote. "You are not required to provide any information. You can inform ICE that you are not attempting to obstruct their actions but that you are not authorized to respond to their request and need to contact the appropriate campus office."

 

Williams says about 10 percent of its student body is international and come from nearly 100 countries. It launched an initiative to help students affected by conflict and natural disaster access its application process.

 

In March, a Tufts University graduate student with a valid student visa was detained by ICE outside her off-campus apartment, an action that made headlines nationwide.

 

"Today's rumors have challenged our collective sense of safety," Palmer wrote of the rumored ICE activity at Williams. "If you are an international or foreign-born community member with concerns about your own status, or you are impacted in any way by recent events, please reach out to any of the services or resources below for help."

 

Palmer recommended students with concerns contact the college's International Student Services office, Residential Life staff, chaplains or Student Health and Wellness Services.