San Diego Community College District Chancellor Gregory Smith and San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz share the following statements on Renatho’s release:
"News of Renatho’s release from federal detention brings us great relief at the San Diego Community College District," said Gregory Smith, SDCCD Chancellor. "Our community has stood by Renatho and his family throughout this ordeal, confident justice would prevail. We are sincerely appreciative of the work done by Renatho's attorney to secure his release. We are grateful to all who joined us in providing Renatho and his family with resources to ensure they had the necessary legal representation. College campuses are places of learning and should never be used for immigration enforcement. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our students and employees, including working with our elected representatives to ensure that schools, colleges and other sensitive locations are off limits for ICE."
"Today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, and hope as we celebrate the release of our student, Renatho Casseus, from immigration detention," said Ricky Shabazz, City College President. "For the past several weeks, our City College community has stood alongside Renatho and his family during an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. Today, we celebrate not simply his release, but the power of love, community, advocacy, and our collective commitment to social justice. First and foremost, I want to thank Renatho's family. Thank you for trusting us, allowing us into your lives, and reminding us that behind every headline and immigration case is a human being with a family, dreams, and a future worth fighting for. To our extraordinary San Diego City College community, thank you for showing what it truly means to say, 'You Belong Here.' "
In the aftermath of the September 8 incident in downtown San Diego, the SDCCD has announced changes to strengthen its ICE response, including the use of text alerts as soon as federal immigration officials come onto campus. In addition, the district and its colleges have expanded counseling and legal support services for students, and have raised funds to pay Casseus’ legal bills. The district continues to advocate with its congressional representatives for legislation that would prevent immigration enforcement activity at education, medical, and religious facilities, and other sensitive locations.