The administration at Chico State University has issued a clear directive to its community regarding potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities on campus: “refer, not engage.” This guidance follows recent reports confirming an ICE arrest in downtown Chico, which has heightened concerns about immigration enforcement in educational settings.
Joseph Morales, the university’s Diversity Officer, has been leading a series of informational sessions titled “What To Do, What To Say” to educate students and faculty about how to respond during ICE encounters. One such session occurred on March 7, 2024, shortly after NorCal Resist confirmed an immigration-related arrest nearby.
Chico State has developed a comprehensive protocol for handling immigration enforcement scenarios, which includes notifying the community promptly and dispatching an officer equipped with a body camera to document the encounter. Morales emphasized the importance of the community reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate contacts, which include himself, Mike Thorpe, and the University Police Department (UPD).
“Some universities have police as the only contact,” Morales explained. “But not everyone feels comfortable reporting to the police. That’s why we decided to include multiple contacts, including the police.”
During these sessions, Morales has adapted the content based on evolving circumstances and feedback from previous presentations. He detailed the university’s protocol, which integrates guidelines from the California State University Chancellor’s Office and the California Attorney General, reflecting the values held by the Chico State community.
Protocol for ICE Incidents
Recently, a campus member reported seeing an unfamiliar black Tahoe, commonly associated with law enforcement, driving in the area. After investigation, it was confirmed that the vehicle belonged to a university police lieutenant. Morales encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report concerns, even if they are uncertain of the context.
If an ICE agent presents a warrant, Morales stated it is not the responsibility of faculty or students to verify its legitimacy. Instead, they should contact either Morales, Thorpe, or UPD for further assistance. An attorney will assess the validity of the warrant before allowing ICE agents access to restricted areas unless there is an imminent threat.
“Refer, don’t engage,” Morales advised. “It’s not your job to interpret immigration law. If agents claim exigent circumstances, then let them proceed and contact 911. The priority is to ensure your safety.”
Under the California SAFE Act, the university is obligated to notify the community via email about confirmed ICE activities on campus, specifying the date, time, and location. If approached by ICE agents, Thorpe suggested asking, “Are these exigent circumstances?” This question signals a basic understanding of immigration law and can help mitigate the situation until university officials arrive.
UPD remains firm in its stance of not cooperating with immigration enforcement. University Police Chief Christopher Nicodemus clarified that ICE agents do not inform UPD prior to their arrival on campus, recognizing the sensitivities involved in college environments.
Resources and Support
Agents are permitted to be present in public areas of the campus without a warrant, but they require one to enter non-public spaces such as classrooms and offices. A complete list detailing accessible public and restricted areas at Chico State is available through university resources.
International students seeking assistance regarding visas or immigration status can contact Jennifer Gruber, Associate Vice President of International Education & Global Engagement. Faculty members with similar inquiries are encouraged to reach out to Mahalley Allen, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
Chico State plans to hold additional “What To Do, What To Say” workshops later in the semester, scheduled for March 12, April 10, and May 7 from noon to 1 p.m. These sessions aim to provide a platform for students and faculty to ask questions directly related to immigration policies and campus protocols.
The university’s Dream Center serves as a vital resource for undocumented and mixed-status families, offering advocacy, programs, and support. Morales underscored the importance of community solidarity, stating, “We have little control over what the federal government does. But we do have control over how we support each other as a community.”
This proactive approach reflects Chico State’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all its members, particularly in light of the ongoing complexities surrounding immigration issues.
