How to identify ICE personnel, report potential sightings
After false reports of ICE on campus, The Daily Orange compiled a guide to identifying federal immigration officers and reporting a sighting without spreading misinformation. Meghan Hendricks | Daily Orange File Photo
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On Monday morning, some students at Syracuse University took to anonymous social media apps like YikYak to claim that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were seen on campus. But after several posts circulated, a university spokesperson confirmed officers spotted on campus were United States Marshals, not ICE.
ICE has increased its presence nationally, including in central New York. President Donald Trump’s agenda to focus on immigration enforcement has led to an arrest toll of 65,735 people as of Nov. 30.
According to data compiled between 2024 and October 2025, Onondaga County saw an increase in ICE arrests from 56 to 161. In October, two SUNY Upstate Medical University employees were detained by ICE and currently face deportation.
This comes alongside a goal from the Trump administration to deport 1 million people each year, now having a $45 billion budget allocated to expanding ICE’s detention system through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Daily Orange has compiled a guide to help identify if federal immigration officers are on campus and how to report a sighting without spreading misinformation.
What is ICE?
ICE enforces immigration laws, investigates undocumented immigration cases and removes undocumented immigrants from the U.S., according to BBC News. The agency was formed in 2002 under the Homeland Security Act in response to 9/11.
With ICE’s allotment of $85 billion, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency will be able to detain upwards of 100,000 people daily, according to NPR.
In December, ICE utilized over 100 more facilities compared to the beginning of 2025, leading to thousands of detainees held in tent camps and more reported deaths this year than in the past two decades.
Minnesota is currently experiencing a large presence of ICE agents under “Operation Metro Surge,” which has deployed 2,000 ICE agents to the Twin Cities since December. This increase in agents is described as the “largest operation” in agency history, aimed to increase law enforcement and “crackdown” on communities, PBS reported.
ICE officers can initiate “consensual” encounters with people, “briefly” detain those they have “reasonable suspicion” are undocumented and arrest and search those crossing the border, according to its website.
How to identify and report ICE agents
In an October Student Government Association meeting, SU Associate President and Department Public Safety Chief Michael Bunker outlined steps in case of ICE’s presence at SU.
If the agency arrives on campus, Bunker and Deputy Chief John Sardino should be contacted immediately, they said. Upon contact, they will meet with the officers, determine their warrant as either signed by a judge or one issued by ICE protected by federal law and decide next steps.
At the time, the only confirmed ICE sighting was five blocks off campus, Bunker said.
Last February, DPS issued instructions outlining how campus employees should respond if ICE enters campus buildings. The email was specifically for SU employees who work desk and administrative jobs.
Any staff member approached by federal agents should notify a supervisor before responding to requests, and then they should contact a DPS administrator, the email said. A DPS officer will arrive at the location to confirm credentials and any warrants or subpoenas.
Tips of suspected ICE presence can be submitted to the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network’s ICE hotline for investigation.
ICE agents do not wear a standard uniform, making it difficult to determine who is an agent or not. Agents are typically dressed in plain clothing or black bulletproof vests, often marked with “police” or “federal agent.”
When ICE is spotted, they are often with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, local police departments and sheriffs, according to a recent Instagram post by the SIRDN.
If unsure about an officer’s affiliation, ask for their badge and official identification. An officer who refuses to show identification raises a red flag because anyone has the right to ask, El País reported.
ICE agents can also use unmarked cars rather than police vehicles, and unlike local law enforcement vehicles, do not have sirens or emergency lights. Around central New York, ICE has been spotted in CBP and DHS-marked cars, according to SIRDN.
What do to if ICE is present
If approached by ICE, the National Immigration Justice Center created a plan for those to follow, which includes choosing emergency contacts, defending individual rights and knowing where to reach out to for support.
The NIJC provides different scenarios to be aware of when one could potentially be stopped by the agency. The organization advises against posting unverified information on social media and interfering with investigations.
The New York Civil Liberties Union also discourages livestreaming ICE activity. Instead, the NYCLU recommends recording the activity and remaining cautious when sharing the recording to protect the identity of those videotaped. The footage should remain unedited and saved in a secure place, it advises.
