MHCC Policies If ICE Were To Potentially Come to Campus

Malikaih Mulloy

The Advocate

With recent activity in our communities involving ICE, many students, staff and faculty members may be increasingly concerned about the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on campus. While MHCC Public Safety has indicated that there has not been ICE activity on campus to date, the college recognizes these concerns and has provided information on what to do if ICE were to come to MHCC. 

Illustration by Leo Decklar (Climb over Ice)

Administrative Regulation 3502 outlines instructions for MHCC employees on what to do if they encounter federal officials enforcing immigration laws on campus, including the extent to which employees should allow officials access to college facilities. In addition, Oregon law (HB 3265, 2021) prohibits local law enforcement and public agencies—including public colleges—from directly or indirectly participating in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. The State of Oregon also has Sanctuary Laws, which can be viewed on the Oregon Department of Justice (ODJ) website. 

Below is additional information and procedures to follow if approached by law enforcement or government officials on or near campus. 

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES:

• If a law enforcement or government official presents valid identification and requests assistance locating a student related to immigration status, immediately refer them to the Public Safety Office (Room AC2330, Gresham Campus, ext. 7310). 

• After referring the official, your responsibility for the inquiry is complete. 

• Notify a direct supervisor or contact Public Safety at 503-491-7310. 

• For more information on Oregon’s Sanctuary Promise, visit the Oregon Department of Justice website at https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/civil-rights/sanctuary-promise/

  
  

IF YOU ENCOUNTER FEDERAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES ON CAMPUS IN PUBLIC SPACES (SUCH AS HALLWAYS, LOBBIES, OUTDOOR AREAS AND STUDENT LOUNGES, INCLUDING THE STUDENT UNION):

• Officials may be present without a judicial warrant. 

• Immediately contact Public Safety and notify your supervisor.

  
  

IN NONPUBLIC SPACES (SUCH AS CLASSROOMS DURING INSTRUCTION, FACULTY OR STAFF OFFICES, ADMINISTRATIVE WORKSPACES, STORAGE AREAS, LOUNGES OR ANY AREA REQUIRING BADGE/KEY ACCESS):

• You are not expected to grant access or manage the situation yourself. 

• Politely inform the official that Public Safety will assist them and contact Public Safety right away. 

• Wait for Public Safety to arrive before taking further action. 

  
  

PROTECTING STUDENT INFORMATION:

• Student information and educational records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 

• If contacted by law enforcement seeking student information—whether in person, by phone or by email—do not release any information. Refer them to the Public Safety Office. 

• Media inquiries about students or related matters should be directed to Jennifer Boehmer, vice president of Advancement and Community Engagement, at ext. 7548.

  
  

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT EMPLOYEES:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential support to help resolve personal or work-related concerns. 

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Employees can schedule time with Rashida Willard in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for support or consultation. 

• Public Safety: For any safety concerns on campus, contact Public Safety at ext. 7310 or visit AC2330 on the Gresham Campus. 

  
  

STUDENTS:

• Counseling and Mental Health Services: Enrolled students have access to confidential, short-term counseling. Email counseling@mhcc.edu to schedule an appointment. 

• Student Union: Connect with peers and access student-focused services by contacting student.union@mhcc.edu. 

• Undocumented Student Resources: Visit the dedicated resource page for undocumented, immigrant and refugee students.