Undocumented Students
El Centro

It depends. Many areas of FLC’s campus are open to the general public as a public institution, meaning federal immigration officers may enter these spaces without a warrant. However, limited-access areas—such as residence halls, faculty offices, and certain administrative spaces—require a valid criminal warrant or voluntary consent for entry.

Limited-access areas include:

• Residence halls
• Administrative and faculty offices
• Classrooms and laboratories
• Any space requiring an FLC-issued ID card or controlled entry

No. Federal immigration officers must have a criminal search or arrest warrant signed by a judge to enter a limited-access area lawfully without consent. Most ICE actions are based on civil, not criminal, authority and civil; administrative warrants do not permit access to these areas without consent.

If a federal immigration officer requests access to a limited-access area:

1. Do not grant access and politely inform the officer that FLC policy requires consultation with Legal Counsel before granting access.
2. If they present a warrant, immediately contact FLC Campus Police via dispatch at 970-385-2900. FLC PD will check if it is a criminal warrant signed by a judge and contact the Acting Dean of Students and Legal Counsel as needed.
3. Request the officer’s name, badge number, and agency affiliation, and ask for a copy of any warrant or document they provide.

No. FLC Campus Police do not enforce federal immigration laws and do not detain individuals solely based on immigration status. They also do not act on ICE administrative warrants, which are civil in nature. However, FLC Police must enforce valid criminal warrants issued by a judge.

Additionally, Colorado law prohibits state and local law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on immigration status or assisting with federal immigration detainers.

Yes. Residence hall rooms are private spaces, and students do not have to allow entry unless officers present a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Civil or administrative ICE warrants do not authorize entry without consent. If in doubt, call FLC Campus Police via dispatch at 970-385-2900.

No, unless they have a criminal warrant signed by a judge or you voluntarily allow them in. A warrant of removal or deportation (issued by ICE) is not a criminal warrant and does not allow officers to enter your home without consent.

FLC employees should not provide any information to federal officers without consulting FLC’s Legal Counsel.

• Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and require legal review before disclosure.
• If you receive a warrant or subpoena for information, ask the officer for their name, identification number, agency affiliation, a copy of the request, and related documents. If you do not receive a response, contact the Dean of Students Office immediately at (970) 247-6034.

Yes. FLC must comply with federal visa regulations and may be required to provide ICE with specific information about F-1 or J-1 visa holders. However, international student records receive FERPA protection and cannot be disclosed beyond the required reporting categories without legal review. Any request from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security should be referred to FLC Police Department Dispatch – 970-385-2900

• You have the right to remain silent and are not required to answer questions about your immigration status.
• You do not have to allow officers into your residence hall room or home without a criminal warrant.
• You do not have to provide documents or sign anything without consulting an attorney.

If you have concerns but do not wish to contact Campus Police directly, you may reach out to the

• Dean of Students Office – (970) 247-6034
• Student Counseling Services – (970) 247-7212

FLC remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Please contact the appropriate campus resources if you have additional questions or concerns.

Unless the victim of a crime or domestic abuse, clients must have lawful immigration status to receive assistance from CLS.

Common areas of civil law the CLS Durango office can assist with:

• Family Law: Domestic Violence issues, temporary or permanent, protection orders, dissolutions, custody and child support.
• Housing Rights and Homelessness: Public and subsidized housing evictions, foreclosures, landlord/tenant disputes and legal issues of the homeless.
• Public Benefits Issues: Social Security, welfare, disability benefits, food stamps, child care and unemployment compensation.
• Consumer Issues: Bankruptcy, debt collection, public utility shutoffs, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and other consumer issues.

Visit CLS

Phone: 970-247-0266 
835 East 2nd Ave, Suite 300, Durango CO 81301

Compañeros is the Four Corners' Immigrant Resource Center:

• Constitutional and workers' rights education
• Support in accessing interpretative, detention and enforcement procedures, legal help, self-sufficiency, citizenship and immigration issues
• Tax assistance
• Volunteer opportunities and collaboration with community groups

Visit Los Compañeros

Phone: 970-375-9406

Services include: tutoring, graduate school exploration, general financial guidance, holistic and individualized coaching.

Visit TRIO

Phone: 970-247-7692
3rd floor, Reed Library, Fort Lewis College

Provides information, workshops, and individual attention for documented and undocumented immigrant students. While the Assistant Director of El Centro cannot provide legal advice, they can support finding resources on and off campus. To the extent permitted by law, confidentiality is guaranteed. 

Visit El Centro

Phone: 970-247-7290
Location: Room 40, Student Union

To address concerns about Navajo Nation citizens being caught up in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, Navajo Nation has compiled information and resources to help our citizens navigate these issues.

• Learn more at Operation Rainbow Bridge
• Report a concern

For adults in immigration detention and for immigrant children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or violence.

Visit RMIAN

Phone: 303-433-2812
Hotline for detained individuals & family members: 303-866-9308