University of Florida Protesters Oppose ICE Agreement

Demonstrators gathered at Tigert Hall to demand the end of a partnership between campus police and federal immigration authorities.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Law Enforcement

University of Florida Protesters Oppose ICE Agreement

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More than 50 protesters assembled at the University of Florida on October 22 to call for the termination of an agreement between campus police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The crowd specifically targeted the 287(g) program, which allows local officers to perform federal immigration duties.

Why it matters

Protesters argue that the agreement endangers students by involving campus law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. The program was designed to identify and remove individuals who are amenable to removal from the United States.

The University of Florida Police Department maintains a 287(g) agreement signed by Police Chief Bart Knowles on March 10, 2025. Officers are currently authorized to perform immigration duties following completion of ICE-provided training and certification.

The players

Bart Knowles

Bart Knowles serves as the Police Chief for the University of Florida Police Department and oversaw the formal signing of the federal partnership.

University of Florida Police Department

The University of Florida Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining safety and security on the Gainesville campus.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and managing the 287(g) delegation program.

The details

The 287(g) program originates from the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which allows ICE to delegate specific enforcement functions to local agencies. Protesters are demanding the university rescind this authorization to protect the campus community from federal immigration actions.

March 10, 2025: Police Chief Bart Knowles signed the 287(g) agreement.
October 22, 2026: Protesters gathered at Tigert Hall at the University of Florida.

Legal Context

The University of Florida participation in 287(g) aligns with the regulatory framework set by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. This program represents an ongoing expansion of federal-local enforcement coordination across various U.S. jurisdictions.

The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding campus safety policies and the potential involvement of local police in federal enforcement activities. Residents and students may see continued advocacy or administrative dialogue concerning the future of the university's federal partnerships.

The takeaway

The disagreement over the 287(g) agreement underscores the challenge of balancing federal enforcement cooperation with concerns about community safety on campus. Understanding the scope of such agreements is vital for students and residents seeking to participate in university policy discussions.