Hofstra is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all members of our diverse campus community can thrive. We recognize that individuals who are not U.S. citizens could face certain challenges, and we are dedicated to supporting them. We strive to create a campus where every student, faculty, and staff member feels valued, safe, and empowered.
Your Rights
Regardless of your immigration status, if you are contacted by an immigration or law enforcement officer you have the constitutional right:
To remain silent
To not consent to a search
To speak to an attorney
Campus Support
- Hofstra Department of Public Safety: For any emergency, call: 516-463-6789. For information, call: 516-463-6606.
- Dean of Students Office: 516-463-6913
- Office of Human Resources: 516-463-6859
- International Student Enrollment: 516-463-6796
Encountering Immigration and Customs Enforcement
The Immigration Defense Project has created the Know Your Rights with ICE flyer (in 16 languages) with detailed information to better prepare you for a potential encounter with law enforcement or government agents. Please refer to this flyer for additional information.
On campus:
- Remain calm.
- All inquiries by agents or officers should be immediately directed to the Department of Public Safety.Do not offer false information or lie.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.
- Do not confirm or deny the presence of any member of our campus community (student, faculty, staff, or administrator).
- If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.
- Do not give consent for entry into non-public spaces, which include residence halls, administrative or faculty offices, classrooms and laboratories, digital spaces (nonpublic virtual environments or networks), and any area where access is restricted by campus ID, locked entryways, and campus housing spaces.
- If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no to a search of you or your belongings. Inquiries by agents and officers should be immediately directed to the Department of Public Safety.
- Never interfere physically with ICE or law enforcement agents.
In public:
- Remain calm.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.
- If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.
- Do not show any false documents and do not lie.
- If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no to a search of you or your belongings.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are arrested, detained, or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
At home:
- Remain calm.
- You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
- An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a judicial search warrant. An ICE deportation warrant will not have a judge’s signature. If a deportation warrant is the only document presented, they cannot legally come inside your home unless you agree to let them in.
- If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.
- If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge, you do not have to open the door or let them inside.
- You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.
- If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.
- Do not show any false documents and do not lie.
- If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no to a search of you or your belongings.
- You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are arrested, detained, or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
This page compiles and summarizes advice from several resources about your rights if you are contacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or local law enforcement. This page is not a substitute for legal advice. The laws and policies may change. This information was compiled in late February 2025.