Important Update for the CUIMC Community

Dear CUIMC community,  

Earlier today Acting President Claire Shipman informed the University community that federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security entered a Columbia Residential building this morning and detained a student. As we work with the University to learn more, we want to remind you of available resources and update you on immediate steps we are taking to support our community’s safety.

Please be aware that all law enforcement agents must have a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena to access non-public areas of the University, including housing, classrooms, and areas requiring CUID swipe access. An administrative warrant is not sufficient. If law enforcement agents seek entry to non-public areas of the University—including any non-public areas at CUIMC—please ask the agents to wait to enter until Public Safety has been contacted. Public Safety will contact the Office of the General Counsel to coordinate the University’s response. Do not allow agents to enter and do not accept service of a warrant or subpoena. 

• We are adding a Public Safety presence in the lobbies of 60 Haven and Haven Towers. For more information about University policies, please visit Protocol for Potential Visits to Campus By U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents and Frequently Asked Questions: Visits to Campus from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 
• We will hold a listening session for all CUIMC students on Monday, March 2 from 6:15-7:15 p.m. in 401 VEC, 104 Haven Avenue. There are also many mental and emotional health resources available to our community, including free, confidential counseling: CUIMC students can reach out to Student Health on Haven through the student portal or by calling 212-305-3400, for in-person or telehealth support; for faculty and staff, resources are available here and with CopeColumbia. 
• CUIMC Public Safety can be contacted at 212-305-7979. In addition, we would like to remind you that safety escorts are available 24/7 for employees and students; a Columbia ID is required. Emergency Call Boxes are located on the CUIMC campus as are guard booths. The University’s safety app includes this information as well.

We are dedicated to supporting our international students and our community, and we will continue to provide updates and additional resources as more information becomes available. 

Sincerely,  

Katrina Armstrong, MD
Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Chief Executive Officer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

William McKoy
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Columbia University Irving Medical Center