Lewis University has temporarily shifted all in-person classes at its Oak Brook, Illinois campus to online delivery for the week of February 16–21, 2026, following the discovery that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates from offices within the same building.
The decision affects students enrolled in business and nursing programs housed at the Oak Brook facility, located at 1111 W. 22nd Street. According to the university, all academic activities at the site will take place virtually during the period, while instructional components that cannot be delivered remotely, including certain laboratory sessions, have been canceled for the week.
University officials said the move was made as a precautionary measure amid concerns about potential volatility at the location. These concerns were heightened by reports circulating on social media about possible protests, as well as an incident of vandalism reported at the building.
Village officials in Oak Brook confirmed that the office space was leased by the U.S. General Services Administration for administrative use by ICE. They emphasized that the facility is not intended for detention operations and does not house detainees.
Lewis University stated that it is in active communication with property management to assess long-term options regarding its continued use of the Oak Brook location. No final decision has been announced on whether the university will maintain or terminate its lease at the site.
Students seeking support have been advised to access services through the university’s Center for Health and Counseling Services or via the TimelyCare telehealth platform, as the institution continues to monitor developments surrounding the situation.
The move has drawn national attention after reports by ABC7 Chicago, adding to broader conversations in the United States about immigration enforcement visibility and its indirect impact on educational institutions.
Lewis University said it will provide further updates to students and staff as decisions are made regarding the resumption of in-person classes after February 21.
