Dear Members of the TC Community,

We are writing to share a message from Columbia University President Claire Shipman indicating that federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security entered a Columbia Residential building and detained a student earlier this morning. 

We understand the concern, anxiety and fear that are caused by reports of federal agents on the Columbia campus. To date, there have not been any reports of DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agents at Teachers College. 

As a reminder, Teachers College is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting the TC community. Law enforcement officers, including DHS and ICE agents, must provide a valid warrant to gain access to our campus, including our residential halls. Should TC community members observe or encounter ICE agents on the academic or residential campus, please notify TC Public Safety. TC Public Safety will request the credentials of the agents (including their name, agency, and badge number), and ask if they have any legal documents, such as a warrant or subpoena and respond accordingly. 

TC Public Safety can be reached at (212) 678-3333 or publicsafety@tc.columbia.edu. I want us all to recognize this stress and help where we can. Should you have a concern or need assistance, you can reach out through our TC CARES group, and International students with questions should contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). 

Thank you all for continuing your work together, engaging with each other and alerting us to any concerns. Our commitment to our values and open communication remain as important as ever as we navigate these challenges together.

We will update our community as additional information is available.

Sincerely,

Thomas Bailey
President
Teachers College, Columbia University