The UW–Madison Police Department (UWPD) is committed to providing exceptional service to all members of our community, regardless of immigration status.
- UW–Madison will not disclose the immigration status of its students, faculty, or staff unless required by law.
- UWPD will not participate in immigration enforcement actions conducted by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Our resources are limited – as such, enforcement is not part of UWPD’s mission.
- ICE officers must use appropriate legal processes when on campus and wish to contact individual students about enforcement-related issues. For example, they generally cannot enter an on-campus private residence without a proper warrant.
- UWPD officers shall not detain or arrest an individual solely based on a suspected violation of immigration law and should not routinely inquire about an individual’s immigration status.
- An individual’s immigration status is irrelevant to our mission and will only be relevant if the individual is involved in serious crimes.
- An individual’s immigration status does not affect their ability to file a police report with UWPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does an individual's immigration status affect how UWPD provides public safety services?
No. An individual’s immigration status does not determine whether UWPD will provide campus and community safety-related services, and it will only be relevant if the individual is involved in serious crimes. An individual’s immigration status does not affect their ability to file a police report with UWPD.
Will the university issue WiscAlerts or some other notification if federal law enforcement is sighted on campus?
The university does not routinely utilize WiscAlerts — UW–Madison’s emergency notification system — to notify campus of federal or other law enforcement presence.
Permissible use of WiscAlerts is defined by federal law and regulations.
The appropriate use of WiscAlerts includes: active harm (e.g., shooter), significant and serious hazardous materials spill, closing a section of campus, significant disruption to campus infrastructure, multiple building closings, a mass casualty disaster, or active tornado warnings in the campus vicinity.
Using the system other than as required by law and in compliance with campus policy can subject the university to federal investigation and significant penalties.
If an incident becomes an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees on campus, a WiscAlert may be issued.
Should I call UWPD if I see federal agents on campus?
A sighting of, or an arrest by, federal law enforcement on campus does not necessitate a call to 911 or the UWPD non-emergency line unless one of the following criteria applies:
- Your physical safety, or that of someone else, is in immediate jeopardy
- There is civil disorder or a likelihood of violence
- Destruction of property is occurring
What happens if a federal agency comes to campus with a warrant?
If a federal agency presents a valid criminal warrant, UWPD’s role would be limited to ensuring campus safety and minimizing disruption. UWPD does not participate in civil immigration enforcement or conduct immigration status checks.