What should I do if an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent is on campus? | 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.
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. Know that Campus Safety Will Document: SAC Campus Safety willnotify the President’s Office and share documentation of immigration enforcement activities that occur on campus.
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Will the District Safety & Security Department (DSS), which includes SACCampus Safety, enforce federal immigration laws?
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No. In alignment with the California Values Act (SB 54), District Policy restricts the involvement 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.
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Should I first confirm that ICE or CBP are on campus to enforce a warrant?
| 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.
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What is a “private” or “public” area?
| 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.
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SAC and School of Continuing Education are open campuses. Can law enforcement officials access all areas of campus without permission?
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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.
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For those teaching off-site, what process should be followed if ICE or CBP come to an off-site community campus?
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Contact DSS, which includes campus safety, immediately at
(714) 564-6330.
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Can the District share personal student information?
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No. The District is legally obligated to:
Protect Student Privacy: A student’s personal and educational information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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.
Uphold Non-Discrimination Policies: The District cannot inquire about citizenship or immigration status except, as required, for financial aid or tuition determination.
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What are my civil rights?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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