The University of Minnesota’s Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies department has sparked controversy by offering free whistles to students to “alert your community of suspected ICE activity,” according to a recent post by the department on Instagram. The move comes amid increased immigration enforcement in the region and rising tensions on campus over cooperation with federal law enforcement.
The department advertised the whistles on Dec. 15, claiming there has been an “increase in ICE activity near and outside of campus” and encouraging students to use the provided tools to “keep you and your community safe.” The Instagram post emphasized support for immigrant communities both within and outside the university.
The whistles are reportedly distributed with a small instructional zine outlining how and when to use them, along with informational cards that include language guidance for individuals stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in English, Spanish, and Arabic
The Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies department’s stated mission focuses on feminist scholarship and social justice, with an emphasis on addressing institutional inequalities. The whistle distribution, however, has drawn criticism from conservative commentators and observers who argue the initiative could undermine law enforcement and embolden individuals seeking to evade federal authorities.
Campus Reform noted there was no mention of the whistle program on the department’s official website, and the report did not include comments from university administrators or the gender studies faculty beyond the social media post. Critics have pointed out that cooperation with federal immigration enforcement is required by law, and efforts to facilitate avoidance of ICE agents could raise legal and safety concerns.
The controversy reflects broader battles on college campuses over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and institutional support for undocumented immigrants. Previously, multiple universities have taken steps such as limiting cooperation with ICE or openly identifying as sanctuary campuses, actions that have drawn scrutiny from federal authorities and conservative lawmakers.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and campus advocacy efforts, especially in regions experiencing heightened ICE operations. Administrators at the University of Minnesota have not yet publicly responded to requests for comment on the whistle program.
