Know Your Rights
San Diego City College is committed to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status. The Know Your Rights page is a valuable resource for undocumented students, international students, and their families. Here, you will find important information about your legal rights, including how to respond if approached by immigration or law enforcement, ways to stay safe, and where to access reliable legal and community support. The page also includes guidance on academic and financial aid resources available to undocumented students. Every student deserves a safe and respectful learning environment, and we are here to help you feel informed and supported.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Resources:
- Know Your Rights tutorial video in seven languages
- Know-your-rights handout in eight languages to help families prepare for a possible interaction with ICE
- Downloadable, fillable, and printable Family Preparedness Plan
- SDCCD Immigration Resources
Administrative Policy (AP) 3415 makes it clear no employee is expected to engage with immigration enforcement officials. You should inform them that you are not authorized to speak with them.
The District is providing cards that you can hand to that official, and you don’t have to speak with them. If they attempt to further engage with you, walk away.
I am not authorized to speak with you, answer your questions, or provide access to any people or facilities per SDCCD policy. Only the District Chancellor and General Counsel have authority to assist you. You may contact the Chancellor or General Counsel at 3375 Camino del Rio South, Suite 300 or 330, San Diego, CA 92108. (619) 388-6857 or (619) 388-6880, [email protected] or [email protected].
If they insist on continuing to try to engage with you, call the College Police. If
they insist on coming onto the campus, please call the College Police at 619.388.6405.
If you are a student and an immigration enforcement official or other government agent
attempts to stop you, I recommend you ask two questions:
- Am I being detained?
- Am I free to go?
If you are not being detained, the official must answer yes, and you are free to go. Simply walk away.
An immigration enforcement official or other government agent may come on campus and
present a warrant, subpoena, or other document they claim is a legal document that
gives them access to individuals, property, facilities, records, or other information.
Warrants and subpoenas are complicated technical legal documents with very strict
rules governing their legality. We do not expect any member of the District in any
capacity to be in a role to review those documents and to grant permission, except
for the Chancellor and General Counsel. If someone attempts to provide you with a
document they claim gives them legal access, tell them you are not authorized to engage
with them, provide them where they should deliver the document, which is the District
Office, to the Chancellor or General Counsel, and simply walk away.
You are not under any obligation to interact with immigration enforcement officials
or other government agents, and you are not authorized by the District to engage with
them on behalf of the District.
If a member of our community comes onto our campus and attempts to harass, threaten,
or otherwise engage with members of our community around their immigration status
or any other aspect of their personal characteristics, please call the College Police
at 619.388.6405.
If you feel comfortable, ask them to stop, but in no way does any of our communication
authorize to harass any student, employee, or other member of our community.
We value and protect the freedom of speech rights of all our community members, but
freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to harass or intimidate members.
The URC provides a welcoming space and vital support for undocumented and mixed-status students. The URC guides students through admissions, tuition, financial aid, academics, and career planning, while promoting an inclusive campus culture for all students, classified professionals, and allies.
San Diego Community College District students are eligible to receive free immigration legal services from Higher Education Legal Services (HELS) accredited representatives. They can assist you with DACA renewals, naturalization applications, exploring possible immigration relief options, and much more. Make your intake appointment today by clicking at the link below!
Virtual and in-person appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, please click on the link below:
Chancellor Smith's Message on Non-Participation in Immigration Enforcement