Guidance for Encounters with ICE & CBP

February 20, 2026

Dear International Students, 

In response to concerns of students and their families about potential encounters with immigration officials, the university has prepared the following guidance to help students feel better prepared and less anxious about the current environment. While not in response to any current situation or incident on our campus, the following guidance may be helpful.

The University at Buffalo is committed to supporting all of our students. We understand that news about immigration enforcement may cause concern, and we want to provide clear, practical information so that you may be prepared and be familiar with available resources. While not in response to any current situation or incident on our campus, the following guidance may be helpful

1.  How do I prepare for a potential encounter with ICE/CBP?
   1. The U.S. Government places the burden of establishing that you are in valid immigration status solely on the individual who holds that status. Have the relevant documents to verify your legal immigration status ready in advance in both hard copy and electronic form and carry them on your person (See chart, p. 2, to identify the documents relevant to the most common statuses held at UB).  
   2. International Student Services (ISS) provides expert advising for students in F-1 and J-1 status. We recognize that concerns about immigration enforcement may affect students across many backgrounds and statuses, and that larger audience is considered here. While ISS can share general information, explain campus processes, and help connect students with appropriate resources for additional guidance for all students, students in statuses other than F-1 and J-1 are advised to consult private immigration counsel for questions specific to their status. Questions about this information may be directed to UB International Student Services at iss@buffalo.edu or 716-645-2258, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   3. If you would like to consult with a private immigration attorney, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides a search function to identify well-regarded local immigration counsel at: https://www.ailalawyer.com/

1. What do I do if I am detained by ICE/CBP?
   1. Contact your private immigration attorney. If you have not retained private immigration counsel or if they are not available, please call, or have your family member/representative call University Police (UPD) (24/7): 716-645-2222. 
   2. University Police (UPD) will contact International Student Services (ISS). ISS cannot represent you but can assist you in contacting private immigration counsel and facilitating campus support. ISS and UPD will alert relevant parties, including Dean of Students, Campus Counsel and your academic department

The following constitutes general guidance on documents evidencing particular statuses. The list is not exhaustive and does not constitute legal advice. Consultation with private immigration counsel is strongly recommended. You should carry on your person hardcopy and electronic evidence of all current and valid status documentation, which may include more than one of the following:

*Depending on how you were processed, you may not have/need all the documents listed under your immigration status. If you are unsure of what documents you have to evidence your status, please consult your immigration attorney.