ICE activity in the U.S. has risen dramatically, including a few incidents around Pittsburgh and in the city. With this, some international students at Point Park are concerned with the possibility of deportation due to the Trump administration’s policies and rapidly escalating levels of enforcement.

These students’ uneasy feelings come after months of viral videos circulating the internet of ICE agents detaining people across the country.

One international student from Brazil, who chose not to share their name out of fear for their safety, said one almost has to be hyper-aware at all times because of recent events with ICE.

“Yes, I believe that the recent videos we have seen on social media about ICE have caused me to be concerned because you never know who they are coming for next,” the student said.

While international students say they are not living in constant fear, many of them admitted the inconsistent policy changes have made studying in the U.S feel a little less secure.

Videos posted online have shown ICE agents acting aggressively toward those on the streets, regardless of the person’s citizenship status, and especially in states like Minnesota.

In early 2025, seven students from Carnegie Mellon University were told that their VISAs were terminated with no explanations as to why, except for one having a DUI case which was expunged from their record. These students later had their VISAs reinstated.

Students attending Point Park have expressed that, even though they are following all regulations, uncertainty still clouds their minds.

“One of my main concerns is to go home and not be able to return to the country,” a student from Brazil said. “With how quickly some policies have been changing, I am afraid that the process of the VISA changes while I am there and I can’t do anything about it.”

Another student from Italy shared that, while they feel safe because they have legal documents, ICE’s treatment of others still worries them.

“I know I have legal documents, but I am concerned about it in general because they’re acting wrong also with people that are here legally.”

Should agents of ICE appear on campus, Point Park police said it will not aid in any of the agencies operations.

“Our policy as a police department is that at th[is] time, we’re not cooperating,” Sgt. Matt Mays said.

University police will not voluntarily allow ICE into any campus building, including residence halls, without a proper warrant.

“Our buildings are private property, so they would have to abide by the same rules,” Mays said.

Rebecca Lee, head of Point Park’s International Student Services (ISS), said in November that, despite recent escalations, Trump’s administration has not affected the enrollment of international students at the university.

Lee said that students have asked about VISA renewals but have not run into any problems.

Each term, the ISS holds a new student orientation where they speak on VISA rights, responsibilities and the school’s role in helping them become successful as VISA holders in the United States.

“Any Point Park student studying on an F1 VISA is welcome to reach out to the International Student Services and Enrollment Office on guidance if they feel uncertain regarding travel,” Lee said. “Any policies that will affect F1 VISA holders — established or new — here at Point Park will be provided communication and guidance on how the regulations could affect their ability to study in the United States.”

“I have many hopes, but being realistic, I at least hope that people will be treated and judged equally, regardless of their nationality,” the student from Brazil said.

Another anonymous student from Brazil said that people need to be respected and treated well no matter where they’re from.

“There are a lot of people that have been taken away from their families, sent to countries they have never known, or even just living with an everyday fear,” they said.

“But I hope the administration realizes that people are the most precious resource we have, and should be treated like so,” they said.

Point Park’s international students continue to lean on each other in times of uncertainty or fear with the goal of pursuing the best education they can regardless of their racial, ethnic or cultural background.

Gavin Petrone contributed reporting.