Immigration Enforcement FAQs

Yes. Federal immigration agents may enter public areas on campus without a warrant, but they cannot access non-public areas unless they have a valid judicial warrant or explicit consent from an authorized college official (only Public Safety).

• Public areas are generally open to everyone. These areas include: outdoor spaces and exterior plazas; hallways and common areas; lobbies, front office desks, and other areas routinely open to the public.
• Non-public areas include: classrooms and labs (while in session); private offices and meeting rooms; residence halls; any workspace or area designated for college operations or restricted access.

The Bellevue College president has designated the Director of Public Safety as the Agency Designee for handling immigration enforcement requests on campus. All employees must refer immigration enforcement agents to Public Safety, B132, 425-466-9365.

1. Direct them to Public Safety. Do not grant access to non-public areas.
   • You may say: “I understand that you are here to enforce immigration law, but I am not authorized to assist and have been directed to connect you with Public Safety.“
   • Politely walk agents over to Public Safety’s front desk in B132.
   • If they refuse to go to Public Safety, inform them you are not authorized to assist and that you have been directed to contact Public Safety. Ask them to wait in the public area and then move into a non-public area to call Public Safety at 425-466-9365 (including after hours) and notify them of the agent’s presence.
     
2. If they show a legal document (e.g., warrant, subpoena):
   • Do not accept service of the document. Explain to the agent(s) that you are not authorized to assist and are required to contact Public Safety first.
   • You may say: “I am not authorized to accept service on behalf of Bellevue College and I have been directed to call Public Safety who can assist you further.”
   • You may request to see the document or ask for a copy for reporting services, but clarify this does not mean you are accepting service. If they permit it, make or take a copy. Do not invite them into a non-public area to make a copy. Record the officer’s name, badge number, agency, and contact information.
   • Call Public Safety at 425-466-9365.
3. Do not interfere if agents refuse to wait.
   • If agents claim judicial authority and refuse to wait, do not interfere with their actions. Instead, observe their conduct and take detailed notes of what happens, if you are able.
   • Call Public Safety at 425-466-9365.

• Assist immigration officers with enforcement actions
• Grant access to non-public areas
• Respond to service of subpoenas or warrants; contact Public Safety
• Attempt to verify someone’s immigration status

Bellevue College’s Public Safety team does not enforce federal immigration laws, conduct immigration status checks, or assist in detaining individuals solely based on their immigration status. However, if immigration enforcement officers come to campus, Public Safety is responsible for reviewing any legal documents presented, such as a judicial warrant, and ensuring that any actions taken are consistent with the law and the college’s established protocols. Public Safety’s priority is to safeguard the rights, privacy, and safety of our campus community while fulfilling legal obligations.

Share resources that provide legal information and support:

• Know Your Rights: Civil Immigration Enforcement in Washington | Washington State
• Know Your Rights | NWIRP.org
• Resources – National Immigration Law Center

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student records, including immigration-related data. Bellevue College does not share student records, including immigration status, with immigration enforcement agencies without a judicial order or subpoena. Employees should refer all requests for student records to Public Safety.

Please submit a care report. Bellevue College will connect the individual impacted to resources on and off campus.