Kent State University Response to Concerns About Immigration Enforcement
REVISED FEB. 12, 2026
Opening Response: “Thank you for reaching out. We understand your concerns and want to assure you that Kent State is committed to supporting all members of our community while complying with applicable laws.”
Is it true that ICE was on campus recently?
· Kent State Police are in regular contact with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and to date, there have been no incidences of immigration enforcement officers on our campuses.
· In the fall of 2025, the FBI charged two international students with being part of a scam, but this was not immigration enforcement, and the arrests did not happen on our campus.
What is Kent State doing to support my student should ICE come to campus?
· Kent State values and supports all our students, regardless of immigration status.
· We have protocols in place to protect student privacy and rights under federal law (FERPA).
· Students who may be affected have been encouraged to ensure documentation is current and accessible.
What are the procedures should federal law enforcement arrive on campus?
· We have established procedures if law enforcement visits campus for immigration purposes.
· Our university police and Office of General Counsel are prepared to respond appropriately.
· Staff and faculty have been trained on proper protocols to protect student information.
· If ICE officers conduct an operation on a Regional Campus, the Regional Campus dean’s office should be notified immediately.
What are the legal protections for my student if they are involved with an activity such as this?
· FERPA prohibits the release of student information without proper legal documentation (subpoena, court order or warrant).
· Staff are instructed not to provide information and to immediately contact university police (330-672-2212) and the Office of General Counsel (330-672-2982).
· These offices provide guidance to ensure legal compliance while protecting student rights.
So, is the university doing anything to prepare should ICE officers come to campus?
· We’ve been engaging with affected community members since last year to ensure open dialogue and support.
· Students concerned about their status have been told that they can contact the Office of Global Education at 330-672-7980 for confidential guidance.
· We will keep our community informed of any significant developments.
Closing Message: “We take the safety and well-being of all our students seriously. If your student has specific concerns, we encourage them to reach out to the Office of Global Education for confidential support and guidance.”
