February 2026 Safe Campus Update

First things first

The ongoing, heightened presence of federal immigration officials in Minnesota brings lots of emotion and concern to our communities. 

What you’re feeling right now is valid: If you need support, the best place to start is mentalhealth.umn.edu, where you can find resources to meet your basic needs, help with your academics and connect with caring people to support your emotional wellbeing.

Behind the scenes: University leaders are closely monitoring the situation and sharing updates on the Rapid Response webpage, which has FAQs with all the answers to your top-of-mind questions. 

You should know, there have been no confirmed reports of immigration enforcement by federal agents on our campus. 

What to know about campus public safety

The short version: The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is focused on your safety, not on immigration enforcement.

• All units of DPS, including UMPD, do not enforce federal immigration laws and can’t interfere with federal actions or request federal immigration support.
• Their role is public safety, building trust, and maintaining strong relationships across our campus community.
• UMPD officers wear clearly marked badges identifying them as University police.

About SAFE-U Alerts

The big question: Will I get a SAFE-U Alert about this federal immigration enforcement activity on campus? Here’s the answer:

• SAFE-U Alerts are guided by the Clery Act and used only when police confirm a significant emergency or dangerous situation that poses an immediate threat to campus and requires quick action.
• While you won’t receive an alert to notify you that federal officers are present on or near campus, one may be sent for things like civil unrest or rioting.
• Update your preferences in MyU to add text or phone call notifications.

Building access: A quick refresher

Most campus buildings are U Card–access only. In addition to always carrying your U Card, remember to

• Check current building hours on Campus Maps.
• Never prop doors open for guests or leave entrances unattended.

Pro tip: It might feel awkward, but don’t hold doors open for people you don’t know. This helps keep buildings accessible only to those who are supposed to be there,  which keeps everyone safer.

Getting to class

The University will make every effort to make adjustments to prioritize safety. Your college dean’s office is the best place to start if you have concerns about attending class, travel, or classroom needs.

Know your rights

The Constitution guarantees certain rights to everyone, regardless of status. To help break this down in a clear, practical way, Student Legal Services and Luchadores en Marcha are hosting a webinar on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from interactions with federal law enforcement or immigration officials.

The details: Friday, February 6, 1:30–2:30 p.m. on Zoom (registration is required)

One more thing: The Constitution also protects your right to free expression. Before attending a protest or demonstration, take a few minutes to understand what those rights include — and where the boundaries are — so you can make safe and informed choices.

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