Immigration Enforcement on Campus FAQs

Standing Together in support of our students

Answering Frequently Asked Questions: Immigration Enforcement on Campus​

English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)
Vietnamese (PDF) Legal Immigration Resources

 

Instructions for Students

In the unlikely event that ICE or non-Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) law enforcement approaches you on campus, it’s important to know your rights and how to respond.

Know Your Rights

  • You have the right to remain silent. You can say:

    • "I reserve the right to remain silent based on my 5th Amendment rights under the US Constitution."

    • "I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign any documents."

  • Do not disclose your immigration status without legal counsel present.

  • Do not sign any documents.

  • Do not resist physically. If ICE agents force their way in, state: "I do not consent to your entry," but do not obstruct them.

  • Conduct yourself professionally. Stay calm, and do not run, argue, or provide false information.

  • Use a Red Card to assert your rights. See ILRC red cards and CHIRLA red cards.

If You See ICE on Campus

  • In a classroom or center: Refer the officer to the instructor or office staff present.

  • Anywhere on campus: Contact SAC Campus Safety immediately at (714) 564-6330 if there are immigration enforcement agents on campus.

No. The District is legally obligated to:

  1. Protect Student Privacy: A student’s personal and educational information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

  2. Safeguard Immigration Status: Under FERPA, The District Safety & Security Department (DSS), SAC Campus Safety, District employees, and SAC employees cannot release student information to immigration enforcement, including immigration status without student consent, a valid subpoena or a court order. 
    In most cases the school is obligated to notify the student before releasing protected information. Release of information may vary for enrolled international students. Campus Safety should contact SAC’s Designated School Official (DSO), Tina Newton, at 714-564-6028 for assistance regarding visa status for international students.

  3. Uphold Non-Discrimination Policies: The District cannot inquire about citizenship or immigration

Instructions for SAC Employees

Public vs Private Spaces

​Private areas include classes (while they are in session), office spaces that you lock when you leave, kitchens where patrons are not allowed, or behind ​​counters such as the Health Center, and some parts of the Nealley library. SAC employees are required to contact SAC Campus Safety at (714) 564-6330 if there are immigration enforcement agents asking to gain access to private or limited access areas.

No. ICE may not enter private or limited access areas of the campus without authorization or a valid federal warrant. Federal warrants must be signed by a federal judge or magistrate, must be current and dated, and specify the area that is to be searched. SAC Campus Safety will review the warrant and/or additional relevant documents once notified.

Contact DSS, which includes campus safety, immediately at
(714) 564-6330.

Immigration Enforcement Authority Interactions

  1. Stay Calm: Immediate compliance is not required. Santa Ana College (SAC) has established administrative procedures and policies to follow. Take your time while working through these steps, and do not panic orfeel rushed.

  2. Direct Agents to SAC Campus Safety: Inform the officers that you arenot obstructing their process, but that you must refer them to the proper channels for guidance and assistance. Direct the officer to contact SAC Campus Safety at their 24/7 line: (714) 564-6330. You may provide initial details of the ICE or CBP agent’s request to SAC Campus Safety.

  3. ​Know that Campus Safety Will Document: SAC Campus Safety will notify the President’s Office and share documentation of immigration enforcement activities that occur on campus.​

​No. In alignment with the California Values Act (SB 54), District Policy ​restricts the involve​ment of campus security in federal immigration enforcement. This act restricts local law enforcement agencies, including campus safety, from using resources to investigate, interrogate, detain, detect, or arrest individuals for immigration enforcement purposes.

​No. District Safety and Security, which includes SAC Campus Safety, must be notified immediately at (714) 564-6330 if ICE or CBP agents are on any SAC or School of Continuing Education campuses. SAC Campus Safety is responsible for confirming the validity of the warrants served. Do not grant ICE or CBP agents access to any private or limited​​ access areas. Please contact DSS which includes SAC Campus Safety if ICE or CBP agents are spotted near any of SAC’s campuses.

Personal Information & Civil Rights

No. The District is legally obligated to:

  1. Protect Student Privacy: A student’s personal and educational information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

  2. Safeguard Immigration Status: Under FERPA, The District Safety & Security Department (DSS), SAC Campus Safety, District employees, and SAC employees cannot release student information to immigration enforcement, including immigration status without student consent, a valid subpoena or a court order. 
    In most cases the school is obligated to notify the student before releasing protected information. Release of information may vary for enrolled international students. Campus Safety should contact SAC’s Designated School Official (DSO), Tina Newton, at 714-564-6028 for assistance regarding visa status for international students.

  3. Uphold Non-Discrimination Policies: The District cannot inquire about citizenship or immigration

  1. The right to remain silent: Employees and students have the right to remain silent and are not required to disclose immigration status when interacting with law enforcement, unless their visa status requires them to do so by law. For additional information on specific visas and their requirements and regulations, contact SAC’s International Student Program (ISP) at 714-564-6047.

  2. The right to consult an attorney: Detained individuals have the right to consult with an attorney, although the government is not obligated to provide one. It is recommended to consult with an attorney, especially before signing documents.

  3. The right to refuse search without a valid warrant: Individuals can refuse a search of their persons or belongings, unless there is consent, probable cause, or a valid warrant or court order signed by a judge. Even if asked, employees are not legally obligated to give their IDs or citizenship papers to an ICE or CBP agent.

  4. The right to make a private phone call when detained:  Detainees also have the right to make a private phone call without law enforcement agents monitoring the contents of the call.​​​

Legal Immigration Resources

A resource designed to provide services to students who are undocumented and currently enrolled at SAC. Currently enrolled students are also eligible for immigration advice at www.findyourally.com​.

  • The Undocu-Scholars Center can provide an example of a genuine federal warrant upon request. This can help you compare it to other warrants that may not grant ICE or CBP agents immediate access to private or limited access spaces.​

  • ​Santa Ana College | (714) 564-6282 |UndocuScholars@sac.edu​

Walk through creating a Family Preparedness Plan with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in English, Spanish, or Chinese. 

Click here for more information.​

If you are off campus, call 714-881-1558 to report immigration enforcement and enforcement actions to spread awareness or to inquire if immigration enforcement has been reported near you with OC Rapid Response Network. 

Use Find Your Ally to schedule free legal services and case support for students, classified staff, and faculty at California community colleges, either in person or virtually.

Where: findyourally.com

Need to Know:

  • The Higher Education Legal Services Project provides free immigration legal services to California Community College students, faculty, and staff.

  • This California-funded effort connects trusted legal providers with individuals to assess unique cases and plan for their future.

  • Priority is given to students, staff, faculty, dual-enrolled students, noncredit course students, and adult education students.

  • DACA fees for eligible students attending California Community Colleges are covered.

  • Starting November 1, 2023, application fees for Advance Parole and Naturalization are also covered (Note: Funds are limited)

The Health and Wellness Center consists of a multiethnic team of health care professionals that provide short term quality care to support students’ academic success. The Student Health and Wellness Center provides in-person and tele-health physical and mental health services to currently enrolled students.

Santa Ana College | (714) 564-6216 | SACHealth_Center@sac.edu

The Welcome Center provides general information and essential services, including legal support services, computer lending services, financial assistance, and basic needs support.

Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education at Centennial Education Center  | (714) 241-5804 | sac.edu/scewelcome

A care tool for Mexican migrants in vulnerable situations that provides quick and safe access to care services, Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores, offers a panic button that will send a message to the registered person's family, attorney, and to the Mexican consulate letting them know that the person has been detained by ICE.​

The Attorney General’s Office model policy and relevant guidance was created by the California Attorney General regarding students’ rights under state and federal immigration laws

Community College Immigration Legal Services program provides free immigration legal services, including education and outreach services (Legal Services | California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office).

An electronic version of the Congressman’s “Know Your Rights” cards. (English​ | Spanish).

Free and confidential counseling services | Available to all district employees and student workers | Professional support for stress, anxiety, and personal concerns.

Click here for more information.

Santa Ana College is committed to promoting a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members. We share a collective responsibility to foster an environment where everyone feels valued. Let’s continue to support one another and respect the diverse perspectives that make this community strong.

Let us stand together in support of one another.​