Grace Cardinal, Editor-in-Chief
The first weeks of Donald Trump’s presidency have seen arrests made across the country by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, along with the repeal of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion regulations (DEI) and a surge of other executive orders.
One of the first acts of the Trump Administration was removing restrictions on “sensitive locations” including schools, hospitals and churches that were protected under the Biden Administration from ICE. While no sightings have yet been reported in schools, many districts are concerned and preparing for the possibility.
In his inaugural speech on Jan. 20, Trump promised to declare a national emergency at the southern border. Stronger border security is a platform Trump ran on in 2016, 2020 and again in the most recent election cycle. During his first term in office, Trump became known for the start of construction on a border wall between the southern U.S. border and Mexico.
“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders,” Trump began in his inaugural address. “First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my Remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release. And I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.”
ICE agents were first identified in the local Bronx community around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to an article published on NBC. It was later confirmed on social media by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that at least one undocumented person was arrested during the event, which she was present for.
These arrests come on the heels of the Trump Administration calling for an end to all DEI programs nationwide.
The Manhattan University community is in tune with the situation nationally and locally. In an email sent to students from the Office of the President the evening of Jan. 28., Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and safe campus.
“I write to reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus student body. This commitment has been one of our core values since our founding over 170 years ago. It is unchanged and strong. Discrimination of any group, and preferential treatment of any group, are not acceptable or tolerated,” the email began.
“As a Lasallian Catholic institution, dedicated to transformative learning, our core values of respect for human dignity and an inclusive community are essential to our mission. While New York law requires it, regardless of that legal obligation, we have long been dedicated to fostering a campus where all students and employees can thrive, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or background. Our commitment to a diverse community is inherent to this educational heritage. We are proud of our diverse community and believe that it makes our campus a richer and more vibrant place to learn and work. Please rest assured that with the cooperation of everyone in the campus community, Manhattan will continue to be a University where all students, faculty and staff can feel welcome, valued and respected,” the email continued.
Bonato concluded his email with a reminder for students to utilize the mental health resources on campus, including the free and confidential Counseling Center.
In addition to Bonato’s statement to students, faculty were sent an updated statement from the Office of the General Counsel with policy reminders about protocol when law enforcement comes to campus. The Quadrangle obtained the statement from an anonymous faculty member.
“With all of the recent media attention regarding actual or anticipated visits by various Federal, State or Local law enforcement agencies, I thought it prudent to remind all of you (and ask each of you to remind your reports) of our standard practice in such instances. In such cases, simply direct the officer/agent to the Office of General Counsel (Jim Ryan) or to Bill Cook as the Director of Public Safety,” the statement said.
“While law enforcement will usually report in at the main guard booth and security is trained to address them, should you or your reports encounter an officer or agent elsewhere on campus, simply follow the procedure noted above. Also, please be courteous but do not otherwise engage as you are not authorized to act or speak on behalf of the University in these situations. Finally, should you be contacted by phone, digital media or through the physical service of a document such as a summons or subpoena, please refer those inquiries to the OGC. If any of you have any questions, please direct them to Jim for further guidance,” the statement concluded.
Multiple clubs on MU’s campus have been vocal about ICE’s presence nationwide, in addition to the repeal of DEI programs and other Trump Administration executive orders. Many have dedicated their social media pages to posting resources for those who may need them and reminders of the legal rights each individual is entitled to.
Martina Eichorn, president of La Fuerza Latina, a club dedicated to honoring and celebrating Hispanic culture, wrote to The Quadrangle via email about the importance of using their platform to inform the campus community during this time.
“Manhattan University is a Hispanic Serving Institution, meaning that at least 25% of our campus is Hispanic,” Eichorn wrote. “There are millions of immigrants in this country and some of those people go to this school or are born from immigrants. It’s important to keep students informed about Trump’s immigration policies because it affects us directly, but also misinformation spreads quickly online and in the news.”
Eichorn appreciates MU’s response on the current issues, and encourages all students and those in the local community to educate themselves and stay informed with accurate, reliable information. Eichorn herself has created a space within Fuerza Latina to ensure everyone has access to the news that directly affects them and their communities.
“I created Noticias Latina, a dedicated space within Fuerza Latina to share news that directly impacts our communities,” Eichorn wrote. “With so much negativity flooding our feeds, my goal is to provide clear and easily accessible information. I also want to make sure we can highlight the positive stories that often get overlooked with everything going on.”
Eichorn, a daughter of immigrants herself, feels a personal connection to deportations across the nation.
“As a first generation American and the daughter of immigrants, my identity deeply shapes my opinions on migrant deportations,” Eichorn wrote. “My parents came to this country and faced immense challenges…In this country their education was devalued, and [they] were often treated as outsiders. Despite this, they worked tirelessly to build a better life, sacrificing everything for our family… It is such a privilege to not have to worry about my family being separated. The thought of families being torn apart is unimaginable. I could never fathom the pain of being separated from my loved ones, and that perspective fuels my strong feelings on this issue.”