NO MORE SAFE ZONES

By Almendra Carrion

Recent changes in federal immigration policies have eliminated schools as “sensitive locations,” meaning that high school and college campuses, including Barry University, are no longer exempt from potential ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids. This shift has raised significant concerns for Barry students and faculty, particularly those from immigrant families, as it challenges the sense of safety many once felt on campus.

The consequences of this policy are far-reaching, with millions of families facing the heartbreaking prospect of separation, tearing apart the very core of their communities.

On Jan. 28, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration's firm stance on illegal immigration.

“America will no longer tolerate illegal immigration, and this president expects that every nation on this planet will cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens,” she stated, according to 7 News.

This statement underlines the growing pressure on international cooperation regarding immigration policies, but Barry students – who are composed of 7% non-resident alien, according to 2023 Barry institutional research – have contrasting opinions.

“It is impossible to control people who come to this country to make their dreams come true, that is not something embarrassing. In my opinion, we must be proud to have people from other countries studying in the USA,” said Marco Valencia, a junior digital media and TV student.

For students like Lizbeth Viera, a junior advertising major at Barry, this change has introduced a profound sense of fear.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

“This would cause a lot of tension for undocumented students or those that come from immigrant families. Although one doesn’t do anything wrong and follows the law, ICE can still have prejudice and even though may not detain a student, they may traumatize them or strike fear,” Viera said.

Barry students from immigrant backgrounds are grappling with uncertainty, not knowing if their educational journey could be interrupted by the threat of deportation, an example of which happened on February 7 to a Miami-Dade public school teacher.

According to 7 News Miami, a 24-year-old middle school science professor was deported despite having no criminal record and holding a degree obtained in the United States. This situation raises concerns about the safety of many students, especially since even higher authorities have been impacted by these deportations.

Barry public relations director, Katherine Doble, issued a formal statement to The Buccaneer on behalf of the university.

“Barry University has an established protocol for engaging with law enforcement agencies on campus, requiring all external personnel to be directed to Campus Safety. The university also adheres to all federal regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which safeguards the privacy of student education records.”

Still, Viera believes that students at Barry will become targets of an unfair system.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

"Honestly, I think it is a horrible idea to allow ICE in campus because this will encourage racial profiling. Not only that but in a university, there are many students from all over the world, including international students, locals, and out-of-state students.”

As the university works to address these concerns, it’s crucial to consider what specific actions can be taken to not only respond to the immediate issues but also to help alleviate the growing sense of fear and insecurity that many students are experiencing.

What tangible measures can be put in place to ensure students feel safe and supported at Barry?

Viera has some ideas.

“For one, have assemblies or meetings that give information and resources to students and their families on how to prepare themselves in case they come across ICE. I would also like for there to be a designated program to protect undocumented students, such as signing a form for their information to not be given away,” she said.

According to Barry PR, “student information is not disclosed to parents, employers, or third parties without the student’s proper consent, except in specific circumstances authorized by FERPA (see the student handbook for details). Committed to fostering a globally inclusive community, Barry University upholds the values of dignity and respect for all, in alignment with its Mission and Core Commitments.”

As these policies continue to unfold, students are left to navigate an uncertain future—one where the very place they once felt safe may no longer provide that protection. For now, the question remains: how can universities balance federal mandates with their responsibility to protect and support their students?