Dear Riverbats,
I want to provide an update on the incident that happened in a parking lot at our Highland Campus Monday morning. We now have the fuller picture, and here are our updates:
- We can confirm that the group seen detaining an individual in the parking lot were Immigration & Customs Enforcement officers.
- We can also confirm that they were in a pursuit for what was described as a routine traffic stop down Airport Blvd. The vehicle pulled into the parking lot at Highland.
- When they parked in the lot, the ICE officers exited their vehicles and detained the other driver.
- Neither of the agency vehicles had clear markings, but one vehicle did have flashing lights on display.
- No vehicles involved are registered to a student or employee at the College.
- The individual who was arrested also is not a student or employee at the College.
- No ACC Police officers were involved.
I’m comforted knowing no one from our ACC community was directly involved, but the situation is still unsettling, and many of you have shared concerns with me. So what are we doing for you:
- I have reached out to ICE to communicate our concerns and to learn more about their protocols and the law.
- We will host a Campus Conversation today. The details are below. I invite you to come to share your concerns and learn more about our protocols and safety measures you can take.
I know this comes on short notice, but I feel strongly that we need to get together and talk before too much time passes. This is important, and I want to be here for you today rather than waiting another week for us to connect. If you’re unable to join live, we will share a recap.
Campus Conversation
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Join in Person: ACC Highland, Building 2000 | Presentation Hall
Watch Live: https://vimeo.com/event/6249677
Much love,
russell
Russell Lowery-Hart, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Austin Community College District