Lewis University, a Catholic institution in Illinois, has decided to transition many of its in-person classes to alternative formats after revealing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is renting office space within the same building as its Oak Brook location. This decision, announced in a Thursday email, comes as a direct response to the presence of ICE operations, which raised concerns among students and faculty about potential implications for the community. The university will continue to assess the situation and inform the public of any operational changes beyond the initial timeline provided.

The university specified that all classes and activities at its Oak Brook site originally scheduled between February 16 and 21 will switch to online delivery if feasible. This action indicates the administration's commitment to the safety and comfort of its students amidst apprehensions surrounding immigration enforcement actions. By moving to remote instruction, Lewis University aims to maintain its educational integrity while addressing the community's anxiety related to ICE's operational activities in the vicinity.

As the situation develops, Lewis University assures students and stakeholders that updates regarding the Oak Brook operations will follow, highlighting the institution's proactive approach to ensuring a supportive learning environment. This incident reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in educational settings and the capabilities of institutions to adapt to external pressures while prioritizing the welfare of their students.