Guidance in Response to Questions About Federal Immigration Enforcement

See the Office of International Services for more information about university policies and support for international affiliates.

In accordance with long-standing university protocols and Johns Hopkins Police Department policies, the university does not provide information about the immigration status of members of our community unless required by law, and Johns Hopkins safety, security, and police officers do not request information regarding citizenship or status. If federal immigration officials present a valid warrant or specific court order, the university will comply with such orders.

In early February, the Offices of General Counsel for Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Health System issued the following guidance in response to questions regarding changes in federal immigration enforcement policy.

Public Areas. Many areas within Johns Hopkins campuses and facilities are open to the public. Federal law enforcement officers are generally authorized by law to enter public spaces without any additional or special permission from Johns Hopkins.

Private or Limited Access Areas. Some Johns Hopkins spaces are not open to the public. These include areas where JHU/JHHS identification is required for entry—for example, some clinical spaces, administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, residence halls, and other restricted areas and buildings. Federal law enforcement officers are not authorized to access these non-public areas without meeting certain legal requirements, such as pursuant to a valid warrant or court order.

What to Do. If you encounter federal law enforcement officers on Johns Hopkins property, you should follow this guidance:

Remain calm.
Immediately contact the appropriate legal or public safety office:
a. For JHM/JHHS: Attorney on Call at 410-955-6070 or SecureChat @Urgent JHHS Legal On-Call.
b. For JHACH: 727-767-8959 (during business hours) or 727-804-1978 (urgent after hours).
c. For JHU: Office of Public Safety at 410-516-7777.
If a federal law enforcement officer seeks to enter non-public areas, calmly request that the officer wait while you contact the appropriate office as indicated above. If asked, inform the officer(s) that you do not have authority to consent to entry or searches, and do not accept service of any legal document without contacting the number above.
If a federal law enforcement officer takes action, with or without awaiting guidance from Johns Hopkins legal and/or public safety personnel, it is important that you do not intervene, as obstructing or otherwise interfering with certain government activity can be a crime.
a. Do not attempt to obstruct the officers’ activities or block their movement in any facility.
b. Do not attempt to notify any person who may be subject to federal immigration enforcement that federal law enforcement officers are present, or engage in any behavior in an effort to enable them to leave the premises or hide.
For Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) provider specific guidance please see the following Frequently Asked Questions. Please contact the appropriate office above with any questions.