Lewis University moves classes online after ICE rents office space

An Illinois university announced it was moving some courses online after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was leasing office space in the same building as one of its locations.

“Lewis University was recently alerted that the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) was leasing office space in the building where we operate our Oak Brook location, at 1111 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois, and that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is using the space for its administrative offices,” the university said in a statement. announcement published Sunday.

“Lewis is one of several tenants at the property and has no control over rental decisions involving other occupants,” the announcement continues. “In light of social media attention referencing the potential for protests at the site and community concerns regarding ICE, we are taking precautionary measures to support a safe, productive and welcoming learning environment for all.”

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Federal ICE officers patrol a suburban street. (Christopher Dilts/Getty Images)

According to the announcement, all in-person classes at the university’s Oak Brook location from Feb. 16-21 “will transition to online delivery where possible.”

“This adjustment is one of many measures being implemented to ensure the continuity of instruction while prioritizing the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We are communicating directly with property management and will provide updates as additional information becomes available,” the university said in its statement.

Students are encouraged to use the Lewis University Center for Health and Counseling Services or TimelyCare, 24/7 telehealth services, if they need “additional support,” the announcement said.

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Renee Nicole Good moments before being shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis. (Obtained by Fox News)

Tensions around ICE grew after the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed on Jan. 7 by an ICE agent after allegedly trying to ram a police officer with her vehicle after refusing to get out. Protests against federal agents have continued to escalate since Alex Pretti was shot and killed on January 24.

In January, The ice reported that there has been a more than 1,300% increase in assaults, a 3,200% increase in vehicle attacks targeting officers and an 8,000% increase in death threats.

A Lewis University spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the institution had no additional comment at this time and that updates would be available on its Oak Brook operations beyond February 21.

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Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal law enforcement agencies, attend a pre-enforcement meeting in Chicago, Ill., Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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