Recent discussions about “sanctuary campuses” have raised questions about LMU’s policies and approach to immigration-related issues. The university remains committed to protecting the privacy, safety, and well-being of all community members while adhering to federal laws that safeguard student and institutional aid.
We Are an Ignatian Campus
LMU protects its community members in keeping with its Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount values. Sanctuary campuses do not offer legal immunity, nor do they prevent federal law enforcement from operating on campus. Embracing that terminology likely introduces unnecessary risks, making the university a target while offering no legal safe harbor to the most vulnerable individuals. Instead of symbolic declarations, LMU focuses on practical measures that support our community.
How LMU Protects Its Campus Community
- Coordinating Law Enforcement Requests: All law enforcement inquiries, including those from immigration authorities, are managed through LMU’s Department of Public Safety and LMU’s General Counsel’s Office, ensuring compliance with legal requirements while prioritizing campus security. The university has shared its procedures for responding to legal inquiries, law enforcement actions, and related requests.
- Protecting Privacy under FERPA: LMU adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prevents the release of student records without proper legal authorization, ensuring that personal information remains protected.
- Legal Support through LMU Loyola Law School: The LMU Loyola Law School Immigrant Justice Clinic offers critical legal guidance and advocacy for individuals facing immigration challenges, providing real, tangible support for those in need.
- Preserving Access to Federal Aid: LMU’s adherence to federal law ensures that students maintain access to crucial financial aid programs, including federal grants and loans that support their education.
LMU remains steadfast in its commitments to support its students and to abide by the law. The university will continue to prioritize meaningful actions that protect our community’s well-being, ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the resources and protections they need.
Los Angeles and Immigration Enforcement
LMU is located in Los Angeles, which functions as a de facto sanctuary city through policies that limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These policies include:
- Special Order 40 (Since 1979): LAPD officers are prohibited from stopping, questioning, or arresting individuals solely based on their immigration status.
- Refusal to Honor ICE Detainers: L.A. does not hold individuals in local jails beyond their release time solely for ICE.
- No Local Enforcement of Federal Immigration Laws: The city does not assist ICE in identifying or detaining undocumented individuals unless required by a judicial warrant.
- Legal Support through the L.A. Justice Fund: LA provides resources to undocumented immigrants facing deportation through legal aid programs.
While these policies do not prevent federal immigration enforcement from operating in Los Angeles, they limit local law enforcement’s role in those efforts, reinforcing a broader commitment to privacy and due process. By operating within this framework, LMU continues to uphold its values of inclusion, support, and compliance with laws that protect students’ rights and well-being.