Immigration enforcement FAQ at the University of Nevada, Reno

The University Police Department does not ask anyone about their immigration status and does not arrest anyone solely on the basis of their immigration status. University Police do not act on detainment actions issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Generally, ICE does not have unrestricted jurisdiction to operate on NSHE campuses. However, if ICE does present a valid judicial warrant, specifically a criminal warrant (not an administrative ICE detainer based solely on immigration status), University Police would assist in the same manner as it would with any other law enforcement agency.

An administrative ICE detainer is a request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) asking local law enforcement to hold someone who is suspected of immigration violations. This is not a court order—it’s an administrative request, and local agencies do not have to comply. ICE detainers are used in civil immigration cases, such as overstaying a visa or being in the country with unlawful presence. Law enforcement holds a person for up to 48 hours beyond their release, giving ICE time to take custody for immigration proceedings.

In contrast, a judicial criminal warrant is a court-issued order, signed by a judge or magistrate. It gives law enforcement the legal authority to arrest someone or search their property. These warrants are based on probable cause and are required under the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement must comply with these warrants. They apply to criminal cases—like theft, assault or drug offenses—and are valid until they are executed or withdrawn.

See the visual difference between these two documents at the National Immigration Law Center website.

As of January 1, 2023, most minor traffic violations are treated as civil infractions, not crimes. This means that if someone doesn’t appear in court or pay the fine, they won’t be jailed—but the fine still applies. It may be sent to collections and could impact credit or insurance rates.

However, serious traffic offenses like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or hit-and-run are still considered criminal offenses. Failing to appear in court for these can result in a warrant for arrest and may increase the risk of immigration consequences, including ICE involvement.

• Minor traffic violations (like speeding or expired registration): Failure to appear leads to a fine, which may be sent to collections, but not arrest.
• Serious traffic violations (like DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run): Failure to appear may lead to criminal charges, an arrest warrant, and possible ICE involvement.

As a public university, many areas of our campus are open to the public. Federal immigration enforcement officers are allowed to enter public spaces—like open hallways, common areas or outdoor spaces—without a warrant.

However, access is more limited in certain areas. Private or restricted spaces, such as classrooms, labs, offices, locked rooms or areas requiring a key or ID card, are not considered public. Officers must have a valid warrant or subpoena to enter those spaces.

If an immigration officer enters your area, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Ask the officer for the following information:
   • Their name and ID number
   • Their agency affiliation
   • A copy of any warrant or subpoena
2. Politely let the officer know:
   • You are not interfering with their process
   • It is University policy to contact the appropriate office before sharing any information
3. Contact the appropriate University office immediately:
   • During business hours:
     • Office of the General Counsel — (775) 784-3493
     • University Police Department front office — (775) 784-4013
   • After-hours (non-emergency):
     • University Police Department (non-emergency hotline) — (775) 334-2677
   • In case of emergency: Call or text 911

Do not provide any documents or allow access to non-public spaces until you’ve contacted the appropriate office for guidance.

On a public university campus like ours, some areas are open to the public while others are considered private. Immigration enforcement officers (including ICE) can legally be present in public areas without a warrant, however they need a judicial warrant or University permission to enter private or restricted spaces.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Public areas (like sidewalks, outdoor plazas and lobbies of public buildings):
  Yes, ICE can access these spaces without a warrant because they’re open to everyone.
• Classrooms, faculty offices and staff offices:
  No, not without a warrant. These are private spaces and require either a valid warrant or permission from the University.
• Student centers and libraries:
  Yes, but only the parts that are open to the public. Offices, staff areas or restricted rooms require permission or a warrant.
• Health and counseling centers:
  No, not without a warrant. These spaces are protected under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
• University housing (including dorms and apartments):
  No, not without a warrant. Under Nevada law (NRS 205.081), these are considered private residences and are protected from unlawful entry.
• Campus religious spaces (like chapels or prayer rooms):
  Yes, if they are open to the public. Private offices or reserved spaces within those areas are off-limits without permission or a warrant.
• Private meetings or legal aid clinics on campus:
  No, not without a warrant. These spaces may be protected by attorney-client privilege or other privacy rights.

If you ever have questions or concerns about this, or if you see something that feels uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to the University Office of the General Counsel at (775) 784-3493 or University Police at (775) 784-4013.

If a federal immigration enforcement officer asks for access to a residence hall or other limited access area, employees should ask the immigration officer to consult with for General Counsel and University Police for assistance. University employees should ask the immigration officer for their name, identification number and agency affiliation. Ask the officer to wait and immediately call (775) 334-2677 and notify the dispatcher of the immigration officer’s presence. In case of an emergency, please text or call 911.

University Police has jurisdiction over those student housing locations owned by the university, such as Great Basin Hall and Argenta Hall just to name two. There are several buildings around campus that house students but are not owned by the university, such as The Dean Reno and Park Place at Reno, just to name two. University Police do not have jurisdiction over the student housing that is not owned by the university.

Employees should contact:

• University Office of the General Counsel ‐ (775) 784-3493
• University Police Non-Emergency ‐ (775) 334-2677
• University Police Department Front Office ‐ (775) 784-4013

Students have the right to request non-disclosure of directory information. If they do not restrict the release of this information, the information will probably be released or disclosed. The University of Nevada, Reno uses directory information for non-commercial, educational purposes, such as to mail notices to students about changes in policies, services, or opportunities. Directory information may also be provided for commercial purposes to businesses affiliated with the institution, honor societies, the alumni association and foundation, or other individuals for purposes that may benefit students. The institution exercises discretion in responding to requests for directory information and may or may not provide such information when requested, depending on the intended purpose of the request. The institution does not sell or rent student information for a fee.

It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of restricting the release of directory information. If a student is restricted release for non-commercial educational purposes, the institution will be unable to place the student's name in publications such as honors and graduation programs; to confirm graduation and dates of attendance to potential employers; to verify enrollment with organizations such as insurance companies; or to send notifications about specialized scholarships without the express written authorization of the student. If, after due consideration, you wish to restrict the release of directory information, you may change your privacy settings via in MyNEVADA, or by calling Admissions & Records at (775) 784-4700 and selecting option #2 for assistance.

If you need legal assistance with your personal immigration case, it is recommended to consult a licensed attorney specializing in immigration law or a representative accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Please contact the UndocuPack Program at (775) 682-8984, which provides guidance in locating legal immigration resources.

Below, you will find a list of several accredited resources.

Department of Justice

• Recognized Organizations and Accredited Representatives Roster

University of Las Vegas, Nevada immigration Clinic, Community Advocacy Office

• Provides resources for individuals, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) renewals. Located at 1212 S. Casino Center Blvd, Second Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89104. For inquiries, contact (702) 895-3000.