To ensure that all members of our campus community feel informed and supported, this is a reminder of the University’s established guidance and protocols for interactions with external law enforcement and government agencies, including federal entities.
As a private university, Notre Dame’s longstanding practice is to direct all outside law enforcement officials to the Notre Dame Police Department or the Office of General Counsel. This is the case for all legal service of process such as warrants, subpoenas, and immigration orders. The University regularly receives requests for student and employee information from external (non-NDPD) law enforcement officials in the normal course of business. These include security clearances required for federal employment or site visits to confirm international student visa information.
Occasionally, when conducting investigations or enforcement actions, outside law enforcement agencies may also call or come to campus seeking access to records, facilities, or individuals. Because these requests for information may be protected by FERPA or other federal or state laws, it is important that all responses be coordinated through the Office of General Counsel, which works closely with the Notre Dame Police Department. Below are steps that all community members can follow when receiving such requests.
What to Do if Federal or State Law Enforcement Officials Seek Access to Records, Facilities, or Individuals
If an outside law enforcement official or agent approaches you:
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Remain calm, and inform the official that Notre Dame’s protocols require external officials to coordinate with the Notre Dame Police Department (NDPD) and the Office of General Counsel (OGC) to review their request.
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If you work at a front desk or in a receptionist capacity, call your supervisor to meet with the agent or officer if possible.
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Call OGC (574-631-6411) or NDPD (574-631-5555).
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NDPD works closely with outside law enforcement agencies, who generally coordinate with campus authorities rather than take independent action on campus. The enforcement of federal laws, including immigration law, is not part of the mission of NDPD. Except as required by law, NDPD does not engage in immigration enforcement work.
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Never become confrontational nor place yourself in a position where you are physically interfering with an agent. Always be truthful with the agents, although you may need to advise them that you are not authorized to provide certain information. If an agent is uncooperative with our procedures, do not attempt to interfere with their actions. If law enforcement agents insist on taking custody of a student or employee, please remain calm, polite, and professional. OGC will need to address this once the immediate situation has passed.
Thank you for your attention to this important guidance, which reflects our shared values of justice, care, and community while ensuring that Notre Dame remains in compliance with all applicable laws.
Additional Information:
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on September 29, 2026.