Loyola University officials dispel ICE visit rumors, urge caution on misinformation
False alarm of ICE visit at Loyola University
Chicago experiences yet another false alarm of an ICE visit, this time at Loyola University.
CHICAGO - With communities across the nation on high alert as the federal government cracks down on illegal immigration, officials are urging caution when reposting and repeating unverified information.
"It’s so important that the information you’re sharing is verified, that you check the date, you check the source," said Nubia Willman, Chief Programs Officer with Latinos Progresando. "We want our communities to feel empowered, and that means that we have a responsibility of sharing accurate information."
What we know:
Rogers Park residents, on Friday, experienced a false alarm due to misinformation circulating online.
As the weekend was getting started, rumors began spreading at Loyola University Chicago claiming that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were on campus.
Posts that did not cite any sources ended up online, shared among the school community and beyond.
Officials, however, were quick to discredit the rumors.
What they're saying:
In an email sent to residents and staff members, Loyola University Chicago Director of Residence Life Dr. Des'mon Taylor issued the following statement, in part:
"We hope this email finds you well. We wanted to inform you that a representative from the Census Bureau recently visited the Bellarmine Hall front desk on January 30, 2025, attempting to interview students. The Census Bureau visitors appear to have been misidentified by some onlookers as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Please note that we have no reports of ICE or related activity on campus."
It didn't take long for what someone thought they saw to be spread among the student body as fact. As school officials cleared things up Friday night, local organizations are urging care when taking rumors to social media.
"I think it’s really important to be cautious, to know your source, and to not repeat something if you don’t," said Ed Yohnka, director of communications & public policy, ACLU of Illinois.
Yohnka urges the public to look to reputable sources when you aren’t sure if the information you’re hearing and seeing is accurate.
"Who are we getting this information from? Are they actually looking out for our community’s best interest," Yohnka said.
He points the public to nonprofit organizations like Latinos Progresando.
"It’s a scary time. Everyone is very much on heightened alert. You can see that, and you can sense that in the way folks are engaging and the way folks are trying to protect one another, really," Willman said.
Willman emphasizes that sharing false information can just add more unnecessary fear.
"And then once it’s verified, we want to inform our community in a way that’s calm, that makes people understand what’s happening, and after that, we activate," Willman said.
Looking Back:
Last week, Loyola University Chicago issued a statement offering unwavering support for all members of the campus community, including undocumented students.
The statement issued by Loyola University Chicago on Friday went on to state:
"As a reminder, in the event of any suspicious activity or concerns regarding safety, please refer to Loyola's Front Door Policy and contact Campus Safety immediately at 773-508-SAFE (7233).
"Your safety and well-being is our top priority, and we encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or further clarification."