As part of Dartmouth's ongoing commitment to supporting our community, we have prepared the following FAQs outlining your rights and how to respond should you encounter federal immigration enforcement officials on campus. For additional information, please consult Dartmouth's Government Site Visit Protocol and other resources available on this page.
Dartmouth is an open campus with many publicly accessible areas. Federal immigration officials may access any area that is open to the public, such as the Green, roads, and sidewalks. Access to non-public areas, however, such as dormitory buildings, off-campus housing, classrooms, and offices, require a judicial warrant (signed by a judge) or consent from an authorized campus official.
Please contact Dartmouth Safety and Security (DOSS) immediately. You can contact DOSS in a variety of ways:
DOSS serves as Dartmouth's designated point of contact for all interactions with federal law enforcement. Under no circumstances should Dartmouth community members seek to engage in physical confrontation with federal law enforcement, as doing so is illegal and would risk escalating a situation in ways that might put community members at risk. Additional detailed guidance can be found in Dartmouth's Government Site Visit protocol.
It is also important for Dartmouth community members to understand their rights, including the right to remain silent. Review "Know Your Rights" information and other resources on OVIS's website.
Federal immigration officials must have a valid judicial warrant (rather than an "administrative warrant," as discussed below) to enter a dorm room or other non-public space. Students are not required to open either the entrance to a dormitory building or the door to their own room to federal law enforcement absent a valid judicial warrant, which DOSS must first review in consultation with the Office of General Counsel.
If law enforcement officials were to present a warrant to a student at their door, the student should respectfully remind federal law enforcement that the officers need to consult with DOSS regarding the warrant, immediately contact DOSS themself, and wait for DOSS to arrive.
A judicial warrant – that is, a traditional warrant signed by a judge – must be obtained before law enforcement may enter a non-public space (such as a dorm or office) without permission or other exigent circumstances (such as a life-or-death emergency). As noted above, students should contact DOSS immediately if presented with a judicial warrant, as DOSS is Dartmouth's designated point of contact for interacting with law enforcement.
In contrast, an administrative warrant is signed by an authorized immigration enforcement official and allows ICE to detain only the individual named in that warrant. It does not permit ICE or other law enforcement officers to enter a non-public space in search of that individual.
International travelers should be sure to review the OVIS travel guidance resource that contains detailed information for both domestic and international travel. It is critical that international travelers carry their immigration documents and be prepared for enhanced screening at U.S. ports of entry, including social media vetting and CBP searches of electronic devices.
International travelers on Dartmouth immigration sponsorship who encounter an issue when seeking admission at a U.S. port of entry may ask the CBP official if they would be willing to speak with OVIS. During business hours, OVIS can be reached at 603-646-3474. After hours, travelers should call Dartmouth Safety and Security at 603-646-4000 and that office will contact an OVIS staff member for assistance.
Because these situations are fact-specific and need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, OVIS and other campus partners will work with the individual to advise on the immigration implications of the refusal based on the circumstances, and, where appropriate, involve outside immigration counsel and/or a congressional office. OVIS will also engage with the school or academic program to discuss enrollment options. While OVIS is not authorized to give legal advice, and the Office of General Counsel cannot serve as legal counsel for individual members of the Dartmouth community, our offices will make every effort to provide support and resources.