Illinois University Adjusts Classes Amid ICE Presence
An Illinois university has decided to shift some classes online after discovering that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is operating out of the same building as one of its campuses.
Lewis University announced it received information indicating that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is leasing space in the Oak Brook facility located at 1111 W. 22nd Street. This space is reportedly being used by ICE for its administrative offices. The university made this announcement in a paper published on Sunday.
In the statement, the university noted, “Mr. Lewis is one of multiple tenants occupying this property and does not have the authority to make rental decisions involving other tenants.” The announcement mentioned that, in light of growing social media conversations and community unease regarding ICE, the university is taking steps to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
As a result, all in-person classes at the Oak Brook campus from February 16 to 21 will transition to online formats as much as possible.
The university also stated, “This adjustment is part of various measures to maintain educational continuity while prioritizing health and safety for students, faculty, and staff. We are in close communication with facility management and will update the community as more information comes in.”
Students have been encouraged to utilize the Lewis University Health and Counseling Services Center or TimelyCare, a telemedicine service available 24/7, if they require “additional support.”
Concerns regarding ICE have escalated, particularly following the incident on January 7, when Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer after she allegedly attempted to ram a police officer’s vehicle.
Protests against federal employees have surged since the death of another individual, Alex Preti, on January 24.
In January, ICE reported a staggering rise in assaults, over 1,300%, alongside a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks against police officers and an 8,000% surge in death threats.
A spokesperson for Lewis University indicated that there would be no further comments for now and that updates regarding operations at Oak Brook would be provided after February 21.
