UNF Police Officers Begin Online ICE Training Under 287(g) Program

(FLORIDA) The University of North Florida confirmed that two UNF Police Department officers have begun online ICE training under the federal 287(g) program, following a Memorandum of Agreement finalized on July 7, 2025. University spokespersons said the officers started online coursework on July 18, 2025, and, as of August 29, 2025, neither officer has completed certification. UNF emphasized that campus police operations remain the same while training continues and no immigration enforcement changes have taken effect.

Background and state directive

The move stems from a February 2025 directive by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis instructing state law enforcement agencies, including university police departments, to enter into 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. UNF joins other Florida institutions, including the University of Florida, in carrying out the order.

The university said its goal is to follow the state directive while keeping day-to-day policing focused on safety within campus boundaries.

What the 287(g) program is

Under the 287(g) program, local officers who are trained and certified work under ICE supervision to perform certain immigration enforcement duties. That can include identifying and detaining people who are wanted by immigration authorities or are part of federal investigations.

• Purpose: Allow trained local officers to carry out specific immigration tasks under ICE supervision.
• Limits: Actions taken under 287(g) are supposed to follow federal supervision and a defined scope of duties.

“The training is preparation for situations where campus officers encounter someone who is already the subject of a federal request,” said crime and safety analyst Tom Hackney. He stressed that the UNF Police Department’s jurisdiction remains on campus, and officers will not be called out by other agencies for off-campus immigration actions.

University statements and timeline

University officials addressed earlier confusion about whether training was happening.

• UNF President Moez Limayem initially said there was no ICE training scheduled.
• The university later confirmed in late July that two officers were selected and had started the online portion.
• A university spokesperson reiterated that there is no change to how campus officers respond to calls, patrol, or handle routine cases, because certification has not been completed.

Timeline (key dates)
1. Memorandum of Agreement signed: July 7, 2025
2. Online training started: July 18, 2025
3. Certification status: Not complete as of August 29, 2025

Operational status and limits

UNF emphasises several operational boundaries while training continues:

• UPD remains on standard campus duties (patrols, traffic control, safety escorts, event security).
• No new enforcement powers are in effect until officers finish training and receive ICE certification.
• Jurisdiction is limited to the UNF campus; UPD will not be pulled into off-campus operations by other agencies.

If certified in the future, certified officers could, under ICE guidance, take on specific duties such as identifying and detaining individuals wanted by ICE when encountered on university property. Until certification, day-to-day policing continues unchanged.

Concerns, reactions, and campus climate

The decision has sparked debate among students, faculty, and experts.

• Some students describe the plan as “excessive for campus” and warn it “may raise tensions.”
• Others say the training is a compliance step and useful in rare cases when someone encountered is wanted by federal authorities.
• Law enforcement experts note university participation in 287(g) aligns with federal priorities to expand coordination between local and federal agencies.

Students and faculty have expressed specific concerns:
– Potential chilling effect on students, particularly immigrants or those from mixed-status families.
– Fear that trust in campus police might decrease, making some less likely to call for help.

Responses and community actions:
– Student leaders plan forums with campus police to ask direct questions about procedures and limits.
– Some students want explicit assurances that officers will not ask about immigration status during routine interactions not tied to federal warrants.

Monitoring, communications, and resources

University officials say they will monitor the program’s rollout and campus climate as training progresses. Administrators and police leaders have sought to reassure international students, staff, and families that routine campus policing is unchanged.

• University communications emphasize that common interactions—traffic stops on campus, welfare checks, dorm calls, or event security—have not shifted while officers are in training and not yet certified.
• UNF advises students to use campus resources such as student affairs, counseling centers, and the international student office for non-police immigration questions and support.

VisaVerge.com notes campuses adopting 287(g) often face early communication challenges and recommends clear, plain-language explanations to maintain trust during the training phase.

Expert perspective and likely next steps

Tom Hackney and other observers say:
– The training prepares officers to respond if they encounter people already flagged in federal systems.
– Day-to-day impact should be minimal because UPD does not patrol off campus.
– Any immigration enforcement would be coordinated with ICE and limited to people already subject to federal action—not broad screening.

Law enforcement observers expect that:
– The real test will come after certification and any field operations begin.
– Campus forums and reporting will focus on how often 287(g) procedures are used and whether the presence of trained officers affects reporting of crimes.

UNF officials plan to:
1. Continue online coursework and assessments for the selected officers.
2. Announce updates when officers complete training, pass evaluations, and receive ICE certification.
3. Evaluate community feedback and possibly adjust practices based on that input and guidance from state and federal partners.

Quick facts (confirmed by university and local reporting)

Closing summary

The central facts are straightforward: two UNF Police Department officers are in ICE training tied to the 287(g) program; the Memorandum of Agreement was signed in early July; and no certification had been issued by late August 2025. The university’s message is that campus policing remains unchanged until certification is complete and any certified duties would be performed under ICE supervision within the bounds of the agreement.

For official background on the federal framework that guides these partnerships, ICE provides program information here: ICE’s 287(g) program.

Students and faculty are encouraged to follow university communications for updates, use campus support services if they feel anxious, and participate in forums to ask questions about procedures and protections as the process continues.