In a move that has sparked both concern and controversy, Lewis University has abruptly shifted some of its in-person classes to an online format after discovering that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be operating out of the same building. This decision, announced in a letter to students and faculty, comes as a response to the university learning that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) leased office space within their Oak Brook, Illinois, facility to ICE for administrative purposes. But here's where it gets controversial: while the university claims it has no control over leasing decisions, the community is already buzzing with questions about what this means for the campus environment and beyond.
And this is the part most people miss: The university’s spokesperson emphasized that Lewis is just one of several tenants in the building and cannot influence leasing decisions involving other occupants. Despite this, all in-person classes at the Oak Brook location from Monday through Saturday will now be held online. Classes that cannot be transitioned to a remote format will be canceled. The university assured students and faculty that they are in direct communication with property management and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Here’s the kicker: The decision to move classes online was partly driven by social media chatter about potential protests at the site and broader community concerns regarding ICE’s presence. The university stated, “We are taking precautionary steps to support a safe, productive, and welcoming learning environment for all.” But is this enough to address the deeper anxieties surrounding ICE’s expanded operations?
According to the GSA website, a federal lease was initiated on December 14, 2025, for the property at 1111 W 22nd Street, extending through 2040. However, the lease does not explicitly confirm whether the space is designated for ICE. Oak Brook’s Village President and Village Manager told investigators they were not notified of ICE renting the offices, adding, “If it is true, there’s probably nothing we are in a position to do about it as long as they meet our zoning/building codes.” Village officials are now investigating whether detention activities would be permitted in an office building under the area’s zoning regulations.
Now, for the controversial question: Is ICE’s expansion a necessary step toward enhancing national security, or does it signal a broader shift in immigration enforcement that could alienate communities? A DHS spokesperson defended the move, stating, “Is it really news that when a federal agency hires more personnel, they need more space? Thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill, ICE will be adding 10,000 new law enforcement professionals to our ranks, thus the need for more infrastructure to continue to Make America Safe Again.” The spokesperson also noted that DHS does not confirm potential field office locations until they are officially opened, citing concerns about doxxing and an 8,000% increase in death threats against law enforcement officers.
Meanwhile, a facility in Broadview, just six miles away from the potential Oak Brook office, has already been used by ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for processing and detention purposes. This proximity raises further questions about the scope of ICE’s operations in the region.
What do you think? Is Lewis University’s decision to move classes online a prudent safety measure, or does it inadvertently legitimize concerns about ICE’s presence? And how should communities balance the need for security with the desire for inclusivity and trust? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. The conversation is just getting started.
