Columbia University encourages students to resist ICE actions through pamphlets

In late October 2023, Columbia University in the United States experienced heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues, particularly as federal actions against foreign students intensified. This included the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent student organizer, which sparked significant protest activities on campus. In response, the university provided pamphlets in its main library aimed at educating students on their rights concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. These materials included instructions on what to do if approached by ICE agents, emphasizing the importance of resistance against such actions. The distributed pamphlets, notably authored by the anarchist group CrimethInc, called for actions that would support a larger movement to abolish ICE altogether. The pamphlet outlined various strategies to resist ICE, including organizing against the construction of new detention centers and mobilizing community support for detainees. Additionally, it included wallet-sized cards that offered concise instructions for quickly asserting rights if one finds themselves in an encounter with ICE. Students were also made aware of the potential legal ramifications of protest activities, as the Trump administration had been implicated in a broader crackdown concerning students’ immigration statuses, particularly those accused of supporting groups like Hamas. In light of this atmosphere, organizations within Columbia's student body are increasingly mobilizing to safeguard their rights and protections during protests—actions that can lead to serious repercussions under current federal policies. Faculty members have taken an active role in guiding students on how best to respond to possible ICE encounters while protesting. The university’s administration has stated that the pamphlets were not official materials but acknowledged the need to address the anxiety many students felt regarding their immigration status. The ongoing protests, which have sparked discussions about the limits of free speech and assembly on college campuses, come amid a nationwide conversation about immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students from harassment and legal consequences. As Columbia attempts to balance these tensions, it faces challenges in regaining federal funding while accommodating the increasing demands of its student body for a safer and more supportive campus environment.