FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, October 3, 2025

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Hector Fong | [email protected]

Bethany Khan | [email protected]

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition stands with UNR students, faculty, and staff, under attack by the Trump DOJ

Las Vegas, NV –  On September 26th, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) took the unprecedented step of sending a letter to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) accusing the university of not being compliant with federal and state law, in regards to eligibility requirements for undocumented students for federal aid and scholarships. On September 30, UNR President, Brian Sandoval sent a message affirming the university’s compliance as well as his commitment to stand up for all students.

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition issued the following statement:

“The Nevada Immigrant Coalition stands with UNR President Brian Sandoval who is defending his students, faculty, and staff in the face of baseless attacks and political intimidation from Trump’s DOJ. While Lombardo stays silent, seemingly too afraid to challenge Trump’s overreach, we’re thankful for Sandoval’s leadership.

It is especially significant that Sandoval, a Republican and former Nevada Governor, is standing firm in defense of all UNR students and their rights. Sandoval’s leadership exemplifies that protecting Nevada students is a shared value, not a partisan issue. As governor, Sandoval championed every student’s rights to an education by signing into law programs that continue to promote early literacy (SB391 in 2015) and expanded support for English language learners (SB504 in 2013). Sandoval continues to show leadership by refusing to let national political agendas undermine Nevada’s commitment to all students.

Education is a human right. The Nevada Immigrant Coalition will not stand by as students are singled out and threatened by the Trump Administration. We will continue to support students, faculty, staff, and community allies to defend inclusive education, reject baseless attacks, and protect the dignity, rights, and future of all Nevada’s students so they can pursue their dreams without fear.

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition urges all students, faculty, and staff to know their constitutional rights, so that they may confidently assert them.”

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:

If ICE stops you . . .

*You can ask the officers if you are being detained, if you are not, then you are free to leave.

*You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions regarding your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States.

*Do not physically resist a government official and do not run away.

*If you are over 18 or over, and a non-citizen, an immigration officer may request to see your immigration documents.  If you have your documents, the law requires you to share them if you have them.

*If you do not have your immigration documents, you still have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.

*Do not provide false documents to officials.

If ICE comes to your home . . .

*In most circumstances, you are not required to open the door for ICE if they don’t have a judicial warrant. A Judicial warrant is a document that is signed by a judge.

*You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.

If ICE takes you into custody . . .

*You have the right to ask to speak with an attorney.

*You have the right to not sign any document that you do not understand. Even if the ICE officers are persistent and want to pressure you, do not sign.

*In certain cases, you can request to see the immigration judge. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to ask for bail to be released from custody.

*You have the right to request to contact your country’s consulate for help.

*If you have minor children, let the officers know that you are the parent or primary caregiver. ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.

To find loved ones who may have been detained: Search the ICE Detainee Locator.

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ABOUT THE NEVADA IMMIGRANT COALITION: 

The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC), founded in 2006, ensures immigrant, refugee, and new American voices are heard at a local, state, and federal level to advocate for humane and fair immigration policies. The Nevada Immigrant Coalition focuses on strengthening a network that provides services, resources, and deportation defense to immigrants and refugees across the state while strategically organizing around issues that are important to all Nevadans. We believe in working towards a Nevada that welcomes, respects, and protects everyone regardless of their immigration status.
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