Employee Resources

Guidance on engaging with federal immigration law enforcement:

As of Jan. 28, 2025, this refers to engagement with federal agents enforcing federal laws, which could be ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshalls Service, or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), etc. Please note that federal immigration enforcement agents may enter areas open to the general public on campus without a warrant. 

Oregon has what are called “Sanctuary Promise” laws, which guide how we handle immigration information. The university does not release confidential student or employee information to federal immigration enforcement agencies except as required by law, valid warrant, subpoena or court order. The Office of the General Counsel helps the university and its employees both comply with the law and protect student and employee information by verifying the agent’s credentials, confirming the legitimacy of the inquiry and reviewing a copy of applicable documents for validity. Routine international student, employee and exchange visitor immigration compliance requests should be referred to the Office of International Services (OIS).

1. Initial response – Ask the individual presenting the warrant or government subpoena for their contact information.  If in person, request permission to photograph their government credentials. If they are on the phone or refuse the request to photograph their government credentials, politely ask for their information (agency, name, badge number) so you can write it down. Try to stay calm. 
2. Explain legal representation – Politely inform them that the university is represented by the Office of the General Counsel, and that all warrants, orders and government subpoenas must first be reviewed by OGC, who will provide guidance on next steps. Warrants are required for agents to enter non-public spaces, typically those with limited access such as dorms, classrooms, offices and any areas closed to the public.  
3. Refer the individual to OGC without accepting or providing information – Refer the individual to the Office of the General Counsel without accepting documents, and without releasing any university documents, records, or other information (even if deemed “directory information” under FERPA). We discourage getting into a debate about FERPA or your ability to provide information with the requestor. Keep repeating #2 above, if needed. OGC can be reached by phone at 541-737-8332 or via their website. Business cards are available by request. OGC is located on the 5th floor of Kerr on the Corvallis campus, but serves the entire institution (i.e. in Bend, Portland, Newport and Extension locations).  
4. Do not attempt to physically block or interfere with an agent – Do not attempt to physically block or interfere with the agent(s) in the unlikely event that they refuse to follow your direction to contact OGC. Any interference by OSU employees is strongly discouraged, even if they are entering a non-public space for which a warrant is required. The federal government has considered warning or concealing a targeted person as obstruction. You may, without interfering, observe and document or record the incident. 
5. Immediately contact OGC whether or not the agent does so – Call 541-737-8332 and provide a detailed explanation of the situation, so that the Office of General Counsel can determine appropriate next steps.