A growing divide is reshaping college campuses in the United States 🇺🇸 as of August 2025. Universities in Republican-led states, often called red states, are forming new partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while colleges in Democratic-led blue states are expanding sanctuary campus policies to resist federal immigration enforcement. This split is changing how students, faculty, and campus police experience daily life and safety on campus.
Red-State Campuses Partnering with ICE
In 2025, a wave of public universities in red states—especially Florida—have signed formal 287(g) agreements with ICE. These agreements give campus police the power to act as immigration officers. They can question people about their immigration status, arrest those suspected of violations, and prepare charges for ICE processing. At least 10 public universities in Florida, including the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida, have joined these partnerships as of April 2025.
Florida’s push is led by Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier. They want Florida to be a national leader in strict immigration enforcement. Now, all 13 state university police departments in Florida participate in The 287(g) program. The state also opened a new detention facility, called “Alligator Alcatraz,” in July 2025, which officials say could serve as a model for other states.
The Trump administration has supported these efforts by giving ICE 10,000 new agents in the latest federal budget. This expansion means ICE can work more closely with local and campus police, increasing the number of enforcement actions on and around red-state campuses.
What Are 287(g) Agreements?
The 287(g) program, created under the 1996 Immigration and Nationality Act, allows ICE to give local law enforcement—including campus police—the authority to enforce federal immigration laws. Under these agreements, campus police must complete ICE training before they can:
- Question people about their immigration status
- Serve and execute warrants for immigration violations
- Prepare charges and detain people for ICE processing
These agreements are reviewed and renewed regularly, with oversight from both ICE and university leaders. According to ICE, there are now over 800 active 287(g) agreements nationwide, and 40% are in Florida. For more details, readers can visit the official ICE 287(g) Program Information page.
Impact on Students and Faculty
The new partnerships have real effects on campus life. International and undocumented students at red-state campuses face a higher risk of being questioned, arrested, or even deported for minor offenses. In 2025 alone, more than 525 students, faculty, and researchers across 88 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked, sometimes for small infractions. At the University of Florida, at least four students lost their visas this year.
University officials at the University of Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Central Florida confirm their participation in the 287(g) program. They say they are following state orders and want to keep campuses safe. However, critics argue that these agreements create fear and mistrust among students and staff, especially those from immigrant backgrounds.
Blue-State Campuses Expanding Sanctuary Policies
While red-state campuses increase cooperation with ICE, more than 35 colleges and universities in blue states have adopted or strengthened sanctuary campus policies in 2025. Portland State University in Oregon stands out for its strict policy of non-cooperation with ICE. The university refuses to let ICE agents on campus and protects the privacy of student records.
Sanctuary campuses block ICE from entering campus buildings and limit the role of campus police in immigration enforcement. These policies aim to protect undocumented students and create a sense of safety. Advocates say that sanctuary campus policies help reduce fear among students who worry about arrest or deportation because of their immigration status.
University leaders in blue states, including the president of Portland State University, have issued statements reaffirming their commitment to sanctuary policies. They argue that these measures are necessary to support all students and keep campuses welcoming.
Campus Police: Two Different Roles
The divide between red-state and blue-state campuses is especially clear when it comes to campus police. In Florida and other red states, campus police are now required to act as immigration officers after completing ICE training. This means they can question, detain, and arrest people for suspected immigration violations.
In blue states, campus police are specifically barred from participating in immigration enforcement. Sanctuary campus policies make it clear that campus police should focus on student safety, not immigration status.
Legal and Social Implications
Legal scholars like Michael Kagan from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Jennifer Chacón from Stanford University say that campus 287(g) agreements are new and raise serious concerns. They argue that turning campus police into “force multipliers” for ICE could harm civil rights and change the atmosphere on campus. Critics also warn that these agreements could lead to racial profiling and erode trust between students and campus police.
Supporters of the agreements, including some university administrators and state officials, say the partnerships are needed for campus safety and to follow state laws. They argue that working with ICE helps keep dangerous individuals off campus.
The use of 287(g) agreements has changed over time, depending on which party controls the White House. The Trump administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement since 2024 has caused a rapid increase in these agreements, especially in red states.
Quantitative Data and Scope
- Over 800 active 287(g) agreements nationwide as of August 2025, with 40% in Florida
- More than 525 students, faculty, and researchers have had visas revoked in 2025
- At least four University of Florida students lost their visas this year
Practical Effects for Campus Communities
- Students and Faculty:
- In red states, international and undocumented students face higher risks of questioning, arrest, and deportation—even for minor rule violations.
- In blue states, sanctuary policies aim to protect students but may put universities at risk of losing federal funding or facing legal challenges.
- Campus Police:
- In red states, police must act as immigration officers after ICE training.
- In blue states, police are not allowed to help with immigration enforcement.
Historical Context
The 287(g) program was created in 1996 to let ICE work with local law enforcement. Its use has grown and shrunk depending on the president’s policies. Under President Trump, the program expanded quickly, especially in red states. Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center, opened in July 2025, is seen as a model for other states considering similar steps.
Future Outlook
The divide between red-state and blue-state campuses is likely to grow. More red-state universities are expected to sign 287(g) agreements as part of wider crackdowns on undocumented migrants. Legal challenges and protests are expected, especially in states where students and faculty oppose these policies. Blue-state campuses are likely to strengthen their sanctuary campus policies, which could lead to legal battles with the federal government over who controls immigration enforcement on campus.
Multiple Perspectives
- Legal Experts:
- Michael Kagan and Jennifer Chacón warn that deputizing campus police could harm civil rights and campus trust.
- Critics:
- Opponents say these agreements could lead to racial profiling and misuse of power, pointing to past abuses in places like Maricopa County.
- Supporters:
- State officials and some university leaders argue that these partnerships are needed for safety and to follow the law.
Solution-Oriented Elements
For students and faculty worried about these changes, it’s important to know your rights. Many universities offer legal resources and counseling for those affected by immigration enforcement. Students should stay informed about their campus policies and seek help if they feel at risk.
Universities can also provide clear information about what 287(g) agreements mean and how they affect daily life. Open communication between campus police, students, and staff can help reduce fear and confusion.
Key Takeaways
- As of August 2025, at least 10 Florida universities have formal ICE partnerships, while over 35 blue-state campuses have sanctuary policies.
- 287(g) agreements give campus police the power to enforce immigration laws, with Florida leading the nation.
- The policy divide is deepening, affecting campus communities, legal rights, and federal-state relations.
For more information about the 287(g) program and how it may affect your campus, visit the official ICE 287(g) Program Information page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing split between red-state campuses working with ICE and blue-state sanctuary campus policies is likely to shape the future of higher education and immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come. Students, faculty, and university leaders will need to stay informed and engaged as these changes continue to unfold.
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