This page provides answers to frequently asked questions and guidance for university faculty and staff related to visits from local, state, and federal law enforcement or government representatives (Agents) on University of Massachusetts property. Further guidance is available here. 
 

How should I respond to an Agent?
As a public university, the University of Massachusetts is largely open to the public. Agents may enter spaces that are open to the public. With limited exception, Agents are not permitted to enter private spaces without a proper court order. Should you encounter an Agent, please refer to the Guide for University Employees Responding to Visits or Requests from Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement or Government Representatives (University Guidance for Employees).

How should I respond if an Agent asks me for information about one of my students or colleagues?
Kindly let the Agent know that you are not authorized to share the requested information. University employees are not permitted to provide any student or employee information to an Agent without a proper court order.

Providing any information about a University student or employee to an Agent unless the Office of General Counsel has specifically authorized you to do so may violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Massachusetts Fair Information Practices Act (FIPA) and/or other applicable federal or state law.

Should you receive a request for information from an Agent, please refer to the Guide for University Employees Responding to Visits or Requests from Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement or Government Representatives (University Guidance for Employees).

What can I offer my student or colleague who is concerned that they or their family or friends may face detention or deportation based on changes in immigration policy?
At the end of this FAQ, please find a list of relevant resources. Please understand that the Office of General Counsel cannot represent or advise any student or any employee in their individual capacity.

What is the impact of the recent immigration related Executive Orders?
Recent immigration related Executive Orders touch upon many aspects of U.S. immigration. The interpretation and implementation of the Executive Orders will determine impact to individual employees, which will likely also depend on several factors, such as country of citizenship, the basis for the underlying status or protection, and/or the field of study or research.

Employees who are recipients of discretionary benefits, such as DACA, Parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and pending Asylum Applicants, or other non-immigrant classifications may consider reviewing and accessing the resources identified at the end of this FAQ.

Employees who have University sponsored visas may consider reaching out to their Human Resources point of contact.

How should I respond if a student asks me if UMass will share information about a student with an Agent?
University employees are not authorized to share student information without a proper court order, which must first be reviewed by the Office of General Counsel and/or campus law enforcement.

The University may be required by law to provide certain information related to University sponsored students on F-1 International Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor visas.

The University is permitted to disclose directory information. Students may visit their campus Registrar website to understand which pieces of data are considered directory information and the process by which students can choose not to have directory information disclosed.

How should I respond if a student asks me how they should respond if stopped by an Agent on campus?
Agents may access any public space, including those on a UMass campus. Students who are concerned about immigration enforcement should understand their legal rights and obligations consulting their own counsel as they deem necessary.

At the end of this FAQ please find information for everyone concerning resources and relevant legal rights and obligations.

How should I respond if a student asks me if UMass will share information regarding a student organization if requested by an Agent?
UMass is not required to provide any information related to a student organization or a student’s participation in a student organization without a proper court order, which must first be reviewed by the Office of General Counsel and/or campus law enforcement.

How should I respond if a student asks me what are the impacts of recent immigration related Executive Orders?
Recent immigration related Executive Orders touch upon many aspects of U.S. immigration. The interpretation and implementation of the Executive Orders will determine impact to individual students, which will likely also depend on several factors, such as country of citizenship, the basis for the underlying status or protection, and/or the field of study or research.

Students who are recipients of discretionary benefits, such as DACA, Parole, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and pending Asylum Applicants, or other non-immigrant classifications may consider reviewing and accessing the resources identified at the end of this FAQ.

Students in F-1 International Student or J-1 Exchange Visitor status may contact their campus International Student and Scholar Office with questions.

Immigration Support Resources

• Lawyers for Civil Rights - Immigrants: Know Your Rights
  
  Immigrant Defense Hotline: 617-988-0606. LCR has stated that its hotline will be staffed with attorneys from LCR's staff and pro bono network and that callers who leave a message will receive a same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. LCR has also stated that it tracks activity closely with community partners and mobilizes legal and policy advocacy to protect immigrant families.
   
• Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition – Know Your Rights
   
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center – Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas

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