You belong here.
The winter surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in our city and state is a disruptive presence among our neighbors and communities. The University's leadership is actively monitoring and measuring the impact of this surge within the St. Kate's community.
We want to assure you that you belong here and that we will get through this together as a community grounded in care, dignity, and mutual support. Your safety and well-being remain our highest priorities.
Our overarching goal as an institution of higher learning is to ensure a safe learning, teaching, and working environment.
What we know: Immigration Enforcement
One year ago, the federal administration rescinded prior guidelines restricting immigration enforcement actions in protected areas such as schools, churches, and medical facilities. This now means that immigration officers may now enter publicly accessible areas of campus during normal hours of operation.
In December 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced "Operation Metro Surge," a nationwide effort to increase immigration enforcement actions. An estimated 2,000 agents were assigned to the state of Minnesota.
Community Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
We have no confirmed reports of ICE agents visiting any of the public spaces on campus.
Stay calm. If others are present, encourage them to remain calm as well.
Politely state: “I cannot give you permission to enter or provide information. I am obligated to contact University administration before you proceed.”
Immediately contact the Department of Public Safety at (651) 690-8888 or via the LiveSafe app. DPS will come to support you.
Notify University Administration (leave a voicemail if necessary):
- Legal Officer: Todd Schnell, 612-443-1914, twschnell325@stkate.edu;
- Human Resources: Latisha Dawson, 651-690-8103 ledawson536@stkate.edu;
- Student Affairs, Equity and Belonging: Jackie Font-Guzmán, 651-690-6643 jnfontguzman597@stkate.edu; or
While waiting for University administration to arrive, you are not obligated to provide information to the ICE officer about yourself, or answer questions from the ICE officer.
University administration will take responsibility for addressing the specific circumstances once on-site.
If an ICE officer or any other officer proceeds to enter limited access or non-public areas without waiting for a member of the administration to arrive:
- Calmly inform them that you are not obstructing their process, but that you are not authorized to grant access and will need to contact Legal Counsel for assistance.
- You should not attempt to physically block or interfere with their actions, but do record your notes of the interaction with the officer and their actions.
Make Your Voice Heard
Your voice is a powerful way to illustrate how a decision made on paper has drastically different consequences when applied in real life. You may email or call the offices of your US Senator or member of Congress with your concerns about or support of any actions currently being taken or considered by the federal government.
Community Information
Information for Students
If you are a student feeling uncertain or directly impacted by these recent changes, we are here to support you, starting with the following campus resources:
- Counseling and Student Development: 651-690-6805 | counselingcenter@stkate.edu
- To access St. Kate’s 24/7/365 crisis counseling line (in partnership with ProtoCall), dial 651-690-6805 and press 1 at the prompt.
- Center for Spirituality and Social Justice (Campus Ministry): 651-690-6724 | spiritandjustice@stkate.edu
- Office of Equity and Belonging: 651-690-6643 | equitybelonging@stkate.edu
Information for Faculty and Staff
If you are an employee feeling uncertain or directly impacted by these recent changes, we are here to support you.
Please contact your supervisor to discuss how this is impacting your work here, and what would be helpful.
Additional resources:
- Employee Assistance Program: 800-537-3543 or visit www.cignalap.com.
- Mental health resources for Employees