On October 15, 2025, an international student from the University of Chicago was stopped and briefly detained on a street in Hyde Park and then released, in what appears to be a federal immigration enforcement action. The incident occurred near campus on S University Ave and E 55th St. We have not yet confirmed which federal agency was involved.

The student followed guidance previously provided by the Office of International Affairs (OIA). The student was carrying immigration documentation and provided it when asked, after which they were released. The student then called UCPD, and UChicago offices have been in touch to provide support.

We understand this situation is concerning to many in our community. At the same time, it is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place.

OIA advises that international students on F-1 and J-1 visas carry a copy of their most recent I-94 arrival record and copy of passport bio page as proof of legal status in the U.S. For more information, please visit the OIA website on travel for international students on F-1 or J-1 visas. Here are additional tips for interacting with federal authorities on and near campus:

REMAIN CALM and courteous.
WHEN PRACTICAL, ASK FOR IDENTIFICATION – Including Name and Agency Affiliation (take a photo/make a copy of this information and/or request a business card).
STATE WILLINGNESS TO COOPERATE – Mention that as a matter of University protocol, you will be contacting the appropriate offices at the University to assist.
NOTIFY UCPD - Contact the University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) at 773-702-8181 if the contact is initiated by non-UCPD law enforcement personnel (e.g., Chicago Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation).

Below are other resources and contacts for members of our community:

Nonimmigrant visa holders should reach out to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) at 773-702-7752 or at international-affairs@uchicago.edu
Dean-on-Call is 24/7 on call support for current students. You can reach the Dean-on-Call by calling UCPD at 773-702-8181 and leaving a 10-digit call-back number or you can text the Dean-on-Call directly via the UChicago Safe App.

OIA is available to support you or answer questions about the information above. Please see below for reminders specific to carrying documentation when in and around Chicago and within the U.S.

Carrying Immigration Documents

Nonimmigrant visa holders are advised to carry printed copies of your important immigration documents at all times in and around Chicago and when traveling in the U.S. These documents include the following:

Most recent I-94 arrival record (not the travel history)
Copy of passport bio page

Additional documents you may consider carrying include:

Copy of Form I-20 or DS-2019
Copy of visa stamp (Canadian citizens are exempt from having a visa stamp)
Copy of I-797 Approval Notice (for H-1B or O-1 visa holders)
Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if on OPT or STEM OPT

In addition to carrying these documents with you, we also recommend making a second set of copies and storing them in a secure place. You may also consider letting a trusted friend or contact know where these additional copies are if they are ever needed.

Legal Permanent Residents

Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) over the age of 18 are advised to carry important documents at all times as proof of immigration status. This includes your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). If your card is expired but you have a receipt notice for a pending Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90), you should carry the expired card with the receipt notice of the pending replacement.