The following information is being provided to educate and assist our campus community regarding Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Haitians. TPS was set to expire for our Haitian neighbors living and working in Springfield on February 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. On the evening of February 2, a ruling by a federal district judge blocked the expiration, while a lawsuit challenging the TPS designation continues. Wittenberg is monitoring the situation closely, while also providing the following FAQ for our campus community.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED TO ICE
What is ICE?
The United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly referred to as ICE, is a federal law enforcement agency established in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The agency falls under the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.
What is ICE’s mission?
As per its website, ICE is charged to “protect America through criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws to preserve national security and public safety.”
What can an ICE agent do?
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) handle “all aspects of the immigration enforcement process, including identification and arrest, domestic transportation, detention, bond management, and supervised release, including alternatives to detention. In addition, ERO removes undocumented aliens ordered removed from the U.S. to more than 150 countries around the world” as per ICE’s website.
Can ICE be on campus?
Because Wittenberg is on private property, ICE cannot be on campus without a judicial warrant. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge allows for entry into non-public places. No information about students or employees will be shared with any agent(s) without a judicial warrant. Student records are also protected by FERPA.
What will happen if ICE comes to campus?
If ICE agents come to campus, they should be directed immediately to Wittenberg Police. Wittenberg complies with all laws and will comply as required by a judicial warrant. Without a judicial warrant, ICE will be asked to leave campus by the Wittenberg Police, who are working closely with the Springfield City Police and the FBI during this time. If ICE is in the area or issues start arising, Wittenberg Police will add extra officers and keep campus updated through the RAVE Emergency Alert System, which powers the TigerSafe app.
What are public and what are private spaces on campus?
While Wittenberg is a private University, not all streets and places are private. Alumni Way, and East and West Campus Drives are private roads and sidewalks, but the streets and sidewalks on Ward Street, Bill Edwards Drive, and Woodlawn Avenue (north and south of Alumni Way only) are city streets and are therefore public. It is also important to note that any space where events are being hosted, which are open to public (athletics contests or performances, for example), are considered public for the duration of the event.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATED TO RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
How can you protect yourself?
Wittenberg Police are encouraging that all students, faculty, and staff keep their government-issued ID with them at all times. International students should always carry their passport and I-20, or at least a clear photo of them.
What do I do if I am off-campus in Springfield and a potential ICE arrest is underway where I am?
Wittenberg Police encourage you to remain calm and to try to avoid the situation as best you can. If asked for more information from official law enforcement, you are only required by law to state your name, date of birth, and address. It is within your rights to refrain from answering any further questions.
I saw something traumatic occur, and I can’t stop thinking about it. What do I do?
The anxiety surrounding what is expected to transpire in our hometown is real. Please reach out to talk with someone about what you experienced. Wittenberg is committed to caring for one another, respecting the dignity of all persons, and acting with compassion and integrity. Our Division of Student Development has resources available for students, including through Timely Care and the Tiger Counseling Center. Employees have access to resources as part of Employee Assistance.
Can I protest if I disagree with what is transpiring?
Yes. While Wittenberg has open communication channels available to members of the community to use, the University also supports the right of its students, faculty, and staff to petition or public protest as long as the means employed do not infringe upon established rights of others and do not violate local, state, or federal laws. The University encourages students to read the Dissent and Disorder Policy for Students in the Student Handbook here, and faculty and staff to read the Dissent and Disorder Policy for Employees here.
Will media be on campus?
It is expected that media will arrive in Springfield. Right now, Wittenberg believes the focus will be on the city and not our campus specifically. That said, media can set up on any public streets and sidewalks, which could include those that are public on Wittenberg’s campus.
What if I’m contacted or approached by media as a Wittenberg employee?
Any and all media inquiries received through Wittenberg email or University phones should be directed to the Office of University Communications at ucomm@wittenberg.edu. This allows for one institutional voice. Should media physically approach a member(s) of the University community for a comment or interview, you do not need to engage. You can also contact the Wittenberg Police Division for assistance if media persist in trying to engage with you at 937-327-6231.
What if I’m contacted or approached by media and/or wish to speak as a citizen?
As a citizen, you are free to speak with media in whatever way is most comfortable to you. We simply request that it be made clear that you are not speaking on behalf of Wittenberg University.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPRINGFIELD
The City of Springfield also has an FAQ on immigration, which can be accessed here.