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Local police say there is no truth to rumors that ICE agents raided Ohio University dorms

By: WOUB News Team
Posted on: Wednesday, November 19, 2025

ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Rumors are circulating on social media that federal immigration agents raided at least one Ohio University dorm and possibly student apartment complexes in Athens.

Ohio University's class gateway at College Green, photographed on May 2, 2019 — Ohio University’s class gateway at College Green, photographed on May 2, 2019 [Michelle Rotuno-Johnson | WOUB]

The Athens police chief and a captain with the university police department told WOUB this morning they are unaware of any raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

It is not clear exactly when or where the rumor started.

Some social media posts mention images that allegedly support the claim that ICE agents were circulating on campus. Ohio University posted a statement online saying these images appear to have been generated by artificial intelligence.

ICE has been active in Athens County. In late October, two brothers facing criminal charges were removed from the regional jail in Nelsonville by ICE agents.