Higher Education and Campus Safety

The University of Minnesota is tightening campus security and offering more remote class flexibility as thousands of federal immigration agents operate in the state under DHS’s Operation Metro Surge. In guidance issued Thursday ahead of Tuesday’s spring‑semester start, administrators said nearly all campus buildings will shift to badge‑only entry via U Cards, while some courses will permit virtual attendance at deans’ discretion to accommodate students worried about travel during the federal surge. The university stressed that its police department does not enforce federal immigration law and does not ask about immigration status, and it is steering non‑citizen students to Student Legal Services for immigration advice, including reminders to carry documentation. The changes mirror moves by other Minnesota institutions and faith groups to shield students and workers as ICE ramp‑ups and the Renee Good shooting fuel protests, fear and legal challenges across the Twin Cities. For a flagship public university, these steps effectively codify a partial sanctuary posture on campus, even as federal operations continue around it.