At-risk Cleveland State University students face a growing climate of uncertainty as immigration enforcement actions increase locally and nationwide.

For one student from abroad, whose name has been withheld, the uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement has reshaped their daily life at Cleveland State. They said recent visa revocations affecting CSU and other Ohio students made the threat feel immediate. 

“No, I do not feel safe,” the student said. “A couple of students had their school visas revoked and had to return to their countries. That was very real to see.” 

The student added that their concerns had only been elevated by an email CSU sent to the community Feb. 11, telling them that ICE presence on public campus property could not be prevented. As a result, the student now avoids events on campus, and is avoiding in-person classes wherever possible.

“I do not feel fully comfortable moving around campus without worry,” the student said, adding that clearer communication from the university should have come earlier.

This student relies primarily on community organizations for updates, as they feel campus support is inconsistent, outside of TRIO services and a select few professors.

“Universities should be spaces of protection and opportunity,” the student said.  

The Trump administration's lack of concern for rights

From its response to the pro-Palestine movements on campuses in 2024, to local ICE raids and arrests and the killing of protesters in Minneapolis in 2025, the Trump administration has signaled its lack of concern for the security of citizens and non-citizens alike, including students of immigrant and international status.

In Northeast Ohio, the rise of federal immigration enforcement has drawn community scrutiny. Over 100 people gathered Jan. 26 in Cleveland Heights to mark one year since ICE detained six immigrant employees of local restaurant Cilantro Taqueria. Community members told media they had come to stand with their immigrant neighbors. Attendees memorialized the names of 39 people killed by ICE or who have died in immigration custody. In 2025, at least 32 people died in ICE custody, the deadliest year for the agency in more than two decades.

In response to the Cleveland Heights' vigil, the Cleveland Division of Police released a public statement downplaying reports of ICE sightings, but suggesting it would not enforce federal immigration laws.

The issue of ICE presence extends across Ohio. In December 2025, ICE’s “Operation Buckeye” resulted in the arrest of 214 people in Columbus, many of whom were from Latino and African communities. Immigration enforcement has also sparked national outrage, especially following two recent fatal shootings in Minnesota of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

These incidents have intensified protests over ICE tactics and the violation of civil liberties. This increasing awareness is also evident in local schools. On Jan. 22, students from several Cleveland high schools protested federal immigration enforcement on their campuses.

CSU's response to the targeting of students

The Stater reported in September 2025 that CSU’s projected 41% drop of international student enrollments for fall 2025 was in part linked to fears about US immigration, xenophobia and student visa uncertainties.

In February 2025, the Trump administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded protections for sensitive areas such as college campuses. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” said Benjamine Huffman, acting DHS secretary. 

In December 2025, CSU President Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., said “We need to be prudent.”

“We have to aggressively recruit students," she said, "but at the same time, we have to be pretty clear-eyed about the fact that we serve the students who are here."

Dr. Bloomberg added that it was no surprise to her that international students might find other countries more appealing at this time.

While some students describe fear and uncertainty, CSU officials point to policies they have implemented about how the university deals with immigration enforcement.

Cleveland State outlined a formal protocol in February 2025, detailing how to respond to ICE on campus. While law enforcement may enter public areas of campus, the policy notes that ICE cannot access non-public places such as residence halls, locked laboratories, or staff offices without proper legal authority. 

“Law enforcement may not enter non-public places without an appropriate warrant or permission from a CSU employee—accordingly do not grant such permission without authorization by the Office of General Counsel,” the policy reads.** 

How to deal with an ICE encounter

The Immigrant Defense Project has the the following checklist for dealing with ICE:

Know Your Rights: 

• You have the right to remain silent when questioned by ICE or law enforcement. 
• ICE generally needs a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter private property without consent. 
• You have the right to an attorney before answering questions or signing anything. 
• You can refuse a search if there is no valid warrant. 

If You Encounter ICE: 

• Stay calm, do not resist, do not run or provide false information. 
• Clearly state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” 
• Ask, “Am I free to leave?” if stopped in public. 

At Cleveland State, students deserve a secure campus. Advocates are calling for campus spaces where international and immigrant students can feel supported and informed. Examples of actions they believe could help are informational sessions, forums, and collaborative discussions aimed at explaining legal protections and building community. 

The administration, faculty, student organizers and legal aid providers can play a role in improving student security by developing accessible resources such as “Know Your Rights” guides or multilingual materials. Such tools could help guide at-risk students in any encounter with immigration authorities. Ongoing dialogue is necessary to help shape how CSU addresses student safety and support on campus while current federal policies persist.

** CSU's ICE policy: