MIAMI — The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed a lawsuit against Florida International University and its president on behalf of seven students. The lawsuit challenges Florida International University's punishment of students who protested immigration enforcement on campus in March 2026.

The legal action centers on a demonstration where the students wore shirts reading "ICE OFF FIU" during an on-campus event where FIU President Jeanette Nuñez was speaking. Seven students, members of a group called ICEBreakers, participated in the protest. The students were protesting a university contract that allows campus police to conduct federal immigration enforcement. During the event, the students stood silently for a few minutes and then left.

Florida International University charged the students with misconduct for failing to comply with a request or directive of a university official. The university required the students to submit two-minute videos explaining the school's policy and how they allegedly violated it. The university stated that failure to submit the videos would result in the students being unable to register for classes or receive degrees. The students appealed the charges in June 2026, but the appeal was denied.

The ACLU argues that FIU’s ban on expressive activities inside campus buildings violates the First Amendment. The organization also filed a motion to block the university from enforcing the policy while the case is pending. Nicholas Warren, ACLU of Florida senior staff attorney, said the disciplinary measures overstepped constitutional boundaries. "The ICEBreakers have every right to express themselves, and FIU cannot turn its campus into a ‘protest-free zone’ through student conduct rules." Warren added that "Florida’s colleges and universities are meant to be places for debate, disagreement, and discussion."

Why It Matters

The case shows a conflict between institutional conduct rules and student speech rights at Florida International University, a public research university in Westchester, Florida, United States. Established in 1965, the institution faces a legal challenge that could define the limits of administrative authority over political expression on campus. The outcome may affect how public universities manage protests related to federal immigration policies.

Timeline

In March 2026, the students wore shirts reading "ICE OFF FIU" during an on-campus event where FIU President Jeanette Nuñez was speaking. The lawsuit challenges Florida International University's punishment of students who protested immigration enforcement on campus in March 2026. The students were protesting a university contract that allows campus police to conduct federal immigration enforcement. Seven students, members of a group called ICEBreakers, participated in the protest. The students stood silently for a few minutes and then left the event.

In April 2026, Florida International University charged the students with misconduct for failing to comply with a request or directive of a university official. The university required the students to submit two-minute videos explaining the school's policy and how they allegedly violated it. The university stated that failure to submit the videos would result in the students being unable to register for classes or receive degrees.

What's New

FIU President Jeanette Nuñez stated that federal agencies, including ICE, have access to come onto campus regardless of agreements. Earlier coverage on 2026-07-21 reported: Mexican man killed after ICE encounter in Florida was on vacation, officials say. Earlier coverage on 2026-07-22 reported: Mexican man killed after ICE encounter in Florida was on vacation, officials say. Earlier coverage on 2026-07-22 reported: Mexican man killed fleeing ICE in Florida was on vacation, officials say. PureSource News previously reported: Harris County Indicts Immigration Attorney Balderras-Ibarra for Felony Assault. Florida International University is a public research university in Westchester, Florida, United States. Florida International University was established in 1965. The students appealed the charges in June 2026, but the appeal was denied.