Since last semester, University Diversity Officer Joseph Morales has hosted a series of informational sessions at Chico State on the immigration climate called “What To Do, What To Say.” 

One of these sessions was held Thursday, just days after NorCal Resist verified that someone was arrested by immigration agents in downtown Chico.
Chico State has a protocol for how it would respond if immigration agents were to come on campus. This includes notifying the community immediately and attempting to send an officer to document the event with a body camera. 

But, this process can only begin when those on campus report to the right people, Morales said.

If a student or faculty member suspects U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity on campus, the university asks them to report to:

1. Joseph Morales
2. Risk Management Director Mike Thorpe
3. University Police Department

“Some universities have police as the only contact,” Morales said. “But not everyone feels comfortable reporting to the police. That’s why we decided to include multiple contacts, including the police.”

“Since I started giving these in the summer, the context has evolved and changed somewhat,” Morales said. He’s given the presentation a few times before, and new things are added each time due to the complexity.During the presentation, Morales went into detail on the university’s protocol, which he said is the culmination of advice from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and California Attorney General, and the “values of Chico State’s campus.”

The Protocol

Recently, someone on campus saw an unfamiliar black Tahoe car — the common “cop SUV” — driving around. The person reported it to Morales, who confirmed it was just a university police lieutenant. But, Morales said that’s exactly why the system is in place, and he encouraged anyone to reach out, even if they’re unsure. Morales and UPD are available 24/7.

If an agent appears with a warrant, Morales said it is not the faculty’s job to review it. They should contact him, Mike Thorpe or UPD. An attorney will be the one to confirm its validity before the agent is allowed to enter a non-public space — apart from exigent circumstances. 

Those circumstances can only occur when someone is in imminent harm and danger.

“Refer, don’t engage,” Morales said. “It’s not your job to interpret immigration law. But if they say, ‘This is an emergency. I don’t need a warrant. Step aside.’ Then let them do as they’re doing, and call 911. This is the most prudent thing to do — don’t put yourself in harm’s way.”

Under the California SAFE Act, University Communications must also “promptly” notify the community of the date, time and location of confirmed ICE activity on campus via email. 

If someone on campus is approached by ICE agents who are pushing for information, Thorpe recommended asking, “Are these exigent circumstances?” as a starting question to demonstrate a basic understanding of immigration law. 

Then, after contacting Thorpe, Morales or UPD, inform the agents that university officials will be arriving.

UPD will not act on behalf of immigration enforcement, Morales said. 

University Police Chief Christopher Nicodemus said it’s important to know that ICE will not inform UPD ahead of arrival.

“They know not to ask us, they know we don’t work with them,” Nicodemus said. “They know the sensitivity of coming on a college campus and they don’t want that.” 

He added, “They’re not going to go to a college campus and create a huge uproar over one particular person.”

Agents are allowed to be in “public” and most “limited” spaces on campus without a warrant. 

Non-public spaces — like classes that are in session, offices and anywhere you need a card to access — require a warrant for ICE agents to legally enter. A complete list of where is and isn’t public at Chico State can be found here. 

If an agent is requesting information on someone or to speak with someone, Morales said they should wait for him, Thorpe or UPD.

Resources

International students who have questions about their visas or immigration status can reach out to Associate Vice President of International Education & Global Engagement Jennifer Gruber. 

Faculty with the same questions can reach out to Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Mahalley Allen. 

Later in the semester, there will be more “What To Do, What To Say Workshops” where students and faculty can ask direct questions. These will be held: 

1. Noon – 1 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 12
2. Noon – 1 p.m. Friday, April 10
3. Noon – 1 p.m. Thursday, May 7

On campus, Chico State’s Dream Center is a hub that supports undocumented and mixed-status families with advocacy, programs and resources. 

“We have little control over what the federal government does. But we do have control over how we support each other as a community,” Morales said.

Anthony Vasek can be reached at [email protected].