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Immigrant and Undocumented Student Information

Immigration Related Inquiries

House Bill 1312

HB 1312, enacted in 2025, is a new Illinois law that provides protections for students, employees, and visitors during civil immigration enforcement. This briefing outlines steps for Highland faculty and staff to follow if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents come to campus. This information and resource is not legal advice, but rather guiding principles to ensure legal compliance while protecting the rights and privacy of students, staff and faculty.

Immigration Access to Public versus Limited Access Areas on Campus

As a public community college, Highland welcomes the public to a significant portion of its campus. Access is restricted or limited in non-public areas due to privacy concerns, operational needs, or safety considerations. Federal immigration enforcement officers are subject to these same access restrictions and must adhere to Highland Community College protocols when entering non-public spaces.

It is important to note that ICE or federal Department of Homeland Security officials may be on campus for reasons unrelated to enforcement actions, such as career recruitment events and guest lectures.

Access Categories:

Public Access

Description

Areas open to the general public where entry is not restricted or limited. These spaces are freely accessible and may include outdoor and common-use areas.

Examples

The Cougar Cafe, indoor and outdoor common areas, walkways, hallways in the academic buildings, and parking lots.

Restricted Access

Areas that require a key, locked doors, or monitored entryways for access are protected to maintain safety and privacy.

Classrooms, offices, academic laboratories, and athletic spaces during practice.

Limited Access

Spaces are generally left unlocked during work hours, but are not considered public due to their function. Access to these areas may require special permission or operational needs.

The Welcome Center, offices, classrooms in session, locker rooms, kitchen/food preparation areas, maintenance areas, storage rooms, and other operational facilities.

Highland Campus Protocols for ICE Visits

Contact the Chief Student Services Officer or the administrator in charge.

  • Phone: 815-599-3531 or 815-599-3582
  • Email: Liz.Gerber
  • If you are unable to reach Liz Gerber and you are not aware who the administrator in charge is at the time, contact Director of Enrollment and Records Jeremy Bradt for assistance.
  • Liz Gerber, the administrator in charge or a designated liaison, will work directly with the agent, after any necessary consultation with the College attorney and College President, to determine what information or access the College will legally provide.

Ensure Compliance with FERPA Regulations

  • The college employee will collect the appropriate information from the agent and determine next steps.
  • The College is required to maintain a record of the encounter. As part of this documentation, you may be asked to provide information about your interaction with the officials or agents.
  • Generally, state and federal law, in addition to college policy, prohibit colleges from disclosing student and employee information, including immigration status, that alone or in combination with other information could identify a student or employee, unless the person has provided written consent. Only under limited circumstances, such as when a court order is provided or when disclosure is necessary to protect health and safety, would a college be required to provide student or employee information without prior written consent.
Support for Students

You may direct potentially affected individuals to off-campus services, including the following:

You may direct potentially affected individuals to campus services, including the following:

  • Counseling Services are located in H-112 or by phone at 815-599-3611
  • Undocumented Student Liaison Jeremy Bradt is located in H-245 or by phone at 815-599-3500
  • Designated School Official (DSO) Alejandra Villa, located in H-248 or by phone at 815-599-3556
  • Campus Security are located in H-114 or by phone at 815-599-3652
  • Students may also seek support through their advisor or success coach