Over the next few weeks, 68 signs will be installed at San Diego City College, San
Diego Mesa College, San Diego Miramar College, and the seven campuses of San Diego
College of Continuing Education. Installation of the signs comes a few weeks after
federal immigration officials pulled over and arrested City College student Renatho
Casseus while he was driving to class. The arrest took place on 16th Street immediately
in front of the college. He remains in custody. A second student, who was a passenger
in Casseus’ vehicle, fled to the campus after briefly being chased by an ICE officer.
District officials say the signs have been in the works since the spring, but were accelerated after the September 8 incident.
“College campuses are a place of learning and no one should have to be fearful about coming to work or attending class,” said SDCCD Chancellor Gregory Smith. “These signs make it abundantly clear that immigration enforcement is prohibited on SDCCD property.”
California law restricts federal immigration enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of school campuses, questioning students, or accessing personal student and family data without a valid judicial warrant or court order. In addition, SDCCD policy prevents district employees from assisting federal immigration officials.
Smith said the signs are similar to those installed at Santa Barbara City College last December after ICE used its campus as a staging site for immigration enforcement.
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. Going forward, Smith said the district will advocate with its congressional representatives for legislation that would prevent immigration enforcement activity at education, medical, and religious facilities, and other sensitive locations.