Viterbo University, a Catholic school, has sent students and employees guidelines about ICE and illegal immigrants. Viterbo is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a 3 hours southeast of Minneapolis. La Crosse Police confirmed the presence of ICE in La Crosse on Sunday, February 1.

One document attached to the email is titled "Supporting Students Experiencing Immigration Status Challenges." It says not use the term "Illegal," calling it "stigmatizing." They recommend "focusing on a person's status rather than using it as a defining label (e.g., 'a student without legal status' rather than 'an illegal student')." The document also discusses mental health problems that can arise from "immigration related stress."

It should be noticed that Viterbo University is sponsored by Viterbo Ministries, which includes Sister Sue Ernster as member. Viterbo Ministries manages the Catholic identity of Viterbo. Sister Ernster is the current president of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Sisters have expressed strong anti-ICE sentiments, calling on the senate to not fund the DHS. They say the DHS are "masked federal agents who use lethal force to harm and kill us!"

Below is the email sent from Viterbo President Rick Trietley on 2/4/2026. This particular email was sent to employees. It included two attachments, which I can send you if you want.

From: Richard C Trietley
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 2:07 PM
To: employees ; parttime ; adjunct
Subject: Message from the President: Supporting Students and Community Well-Being

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to you during a moment when many in our campus community, including some of you and our students, may be experiencing heightened concern, anxiety, and uncertainty related to recent events and increased federal immigration enforcement activity across our region and nation.

Today, students are receiving a message from Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Kirsten Gabriel offering care, reassurance, and information about the resources available to them. I want to thank you for the ways that you continue to show up for our students with compassion, steadiness, and professionalism. Especially in moments like this.

As a Catholic, Franciscan institution, Viterbo University is grounded in a commitment to the inherent dignity of every person. That commitment calls us to walk alongside those who are vulnerable, to lead with empathy rather than fear, and to ensure our campus remains a place of belonging, safety, and support for all students and for all of you. We are called to create an environment where every person can thrive, where diversity is celebrated, and where our shared mission is lived fully in every corner of campus.

Attached to this message is a guidance document developed by the Student Life Division to support faculty and staff in working with students who may be experiencing stress related to immigration status—either their own or that of family members. I ask that you review this document carefully. It is intended to:

Provide shared language and understanding around immigration-related stress
Offer guidance for responding to students with compassion, discretion, and cultural sensitivity
Clarify university procedures related to privacy, FERPA, and interactions with law enforcement agencies
Ensure that we respond in a coordinated, consistent, and student-centered way across campus
Also attached to this message is a document outlining information you may find helpful should federal agents or law enforcement arrive on campus, as we are also committed to following all applicable laws and cooperating appropriately with federal agents or law enforcement should we be approached to assist them. This same document was shared in Kirsten's message to our students.

Please remember that Campus Safety is the sole point of contact if law enforcement or officials from a federal enforcement agency come to campus. If you are approached or have concerns, contact Campus Safety immediately at 608-796-3911.

Campus Safety will then activate phone calls and messages to the University Leadership team as needed.

In addition, Aly Graef, Director of Campus Safety and Security, is collaborating with Emily Weaver and colleagues at other campuses that have experienced federal agent activity to coordinate additional training for members of the Campus Safety team to ensure they are as prepared as possible.

I also want to acknowledge that some members of our faculty and staff may be personally affected by immigration-related stress—whether related to your own status or that of a loved one. If this moment feels especially heavy for you, please know that you are a valued member of the Viterbo community, and you are not alone. We are also committed to doing what we can to assist you. Support and confidential resources are available through Human Resources and the Employee Assistance Program. We encourage you to seek the care and flexibility you may need, and we remain committed to protecting your privacy and dignity to the fullest extent permitted by law.

If you have questions, concerns, or need additional support in navigating these situations, I encourage you to reach out to your supervisor, Kirsten Gabriel, or Emily Weaver, our VP for Human Resources and University Counsel. We are in this together, and we will continue to walk forward guided by our shared values.

With gratitude for all you do for our students and for one another,

“Pace e Bene”

Rick

Rick Trietley
President
Viterbo University