Florida International University sued over ICE protest crackdown

Florida International University (FIU) is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of a student group known as ICEBreakers. The legal action follows a March incident where seven students wore shirts reading “ICE OFF FIU” during a campus event featuring FIU President Jeanette Nuñez. The students stood silently for several minutes before leaving the event.

The protest targeted a university contract that allows campus police to assist with federal immigration enforcement. FIU officials charged the students with misconduct, citing a policy that prohibits “expressive activities” such as protests and demonstrations inside university buildings to protect campus welfare. As part of the disciplinary action, the university has issued written reprimands and required the students to submit videos reflecting on the regulations. Failure to comply by September 4 could result in students being barred from class registration or receiving diplomas.

The ACLU argues that FIU’s ban on expressive activities inside buildings violates the First Amendment and creates a “protest-free zone.” The lawsuit seeks to have the university's policy declared unconstitutional and is requesting compensation for the students, who allege the crackdown has caused emotional distress and chilled their right to free speech.