What GTCC Students Need to Know About ICE on Campus

By Charmaine Johnson, Photo Editor

As concerns over immigration enforcement grow nationwide, students at Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) may wonder what to do if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appear on campus. While GTCC follows all applicable laws, the college has protocols in place to protect student rights and ensure privacy.

“We understand that immigration enforcement issues can be deeply concerning for many in our community, said Campus Police Chief Gene Sapino. “GTCC is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students. While we are required to comply with legal orders, we encourage members of the GTCC community to access the resources shared in this article to better understand their rights and find support.”

The following information was provided by Sapino and Jan Knox, GTCC’s vice president for college advancement. The Titan Shout student newspaper does not provide legal advice but aims to serve as a resource to help students find the support they need.

ICE Presence on Campus

According to GTCC officials, ICE has not conducted enforcement actions on any of the college’s campuses under current executive orders. If ICE were to arrive, agents would typically contact campus police before or upon arrival. However, GTCC would not issue a campus-wide notification of their presence.

Students who see ICE agents on or near campus should immediately notify the nearest college employee or call GTCC Campus Police at 336-819-2046.

Student Rights and Legal Protections

GTCC advises students to refer to “Know Your Rights” resources from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). These resources, available on the MyGTCC Student Portal and GTCC’s Campus Safety webpage, explain what to do if approached by ICE.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), faculty and staff cannot disclose a student’s immigration status unless required by a valid warrant or subpoena.

Additionally, GTCC Campus Police are not immigration enforcement officers and do not check or report students' immigration status.

What to Do If a Classmate Is Detained

GTCC officials urge students to remain calm and not interfere with ICE agents. If a student witnesses a classmate being detained, they should:

• Avoid escalating the situation—remaining calm is crucial.

• Immediately notify GTCC Campus Police at 336-819-2046.

• Observe and document the incident if necessary but without obstructing law enforcement.

• Avoid signing any documents without legal representation.

If a student is detained, their family should contact an immigration attorney or United We Dream’s 24/7 Hotline at 1-844-363-1423 for emergency assistance.

Preventative Steps Students Can Take

Students concerned about immigration enforcement should prepare in advance by:

• Saving emergency contacts, including GTCC Campus Police and legal aid organizations.

• Carrying a “Know Your Rights” card, available from advocacy groups such as the ACLU and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC).

• Not providing information to ICE beyond what is legally required—students are not obligated to answer questions about their immigration status.

Available Resources

GTCC has compiled a list of external organizations that provide legal and advocacy support for undocumented students, including:

• North Carolina Justice Center Immigrant Legal Assistance Project – Provides legal consultations and representation. (919-856-2570, ncjustice.org/projects/immigrant-refugee-rights)

• Legal Aid of North Carolina - Greensboro Office – Offers immigration-related legal services. (336-272-0148, legalaidnc.org)

• FaithAction International House – Provides advocacy and community services for immigrants. (336-379-1056, faithaction.org)

Additionally, GTCC’s Titan Assistance Program (866-329-4148) and Counseling Center (336-334-4822, ext. 50038) offer support for students facing immigration-related stress or emergencies.

Finding Advocacy in the Community

At this time, GTCC is not aware of any student organizations dedicated to supporting undocumented students. However, those looking to get involved in advocacy efforts can connect with local community groups such as the Latino Community Coalition of Guilford.

For more information, students can visit GTCC’s Campus Safety webpage or the Titan Link Center, which provides assistance with non-academic challenges such as emergency aid and transportation support.

For immediate legal assistance or to report ICE activity, students can call United We Dream’s 24/7 Hotline at 1-844-363-1423.

Titan Shout’s Commitment to Supporting Students

At Titan Shout, we recognize that immigration concerns can be stressful and uncertain for many students. Our goal is to provide reliable information and connect students with resources to ensure they feel safe and supported on campus. GTCC is a diverse and welcoming community, and we stand with all students in their pursuit of education, security, and success.

If you or someone you know needs help, we encourage you to use the resources listed above and reach out to GTCC’s support services.