Know Your Rights

At San Diego Mesa College, we remain committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and supportive learning and working environment for all members of our campus community.

We recognize that immigration enforcement concerns may create uncertainty for members of our community. Please know that Mesa College remains committed to protecting student privacy, supporting our campus community, and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and information they need.

As part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety and awareness, we want to remind everyone of the San Diego Community College District's established protocols regarding immigration enforcement activity on campus and the resources available to support our community.

Ecounters with Immigration Enforcement Officers on Campus

If you observe or are approached by individuals identifying themselves as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other immigration enforcement officers, please remember the following:

Remain calm. Do not physically interfere with or attempt to obstruct law enforcement activity.
Do not provide access to restricted areas or disclose student information. Refer any requests for access, records, or information to the appropriate District officials.
Notify campus authorities. Report any immigration enforcement presence or activity to College Police so that established District protocols can be followed. SDCCD offices: Chancellor: (619) 388-6957, or General Counsel: (619) 388-6589, SDCCD Police: (619) 388-6405
ENCOURAGE students to remain in their classroom or a private office of a trusted individual.
WITNESS Stand by as a witness, if you feel comfortable doing so. You are legally entitled to record enforcement activities as long as you do not directly interfere.
RESPOND IF ASKED “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) 388-6957 or (619) 388-6589.”
Refer to the District's Card, Flyer, or Website guidance. These provide important information and resources about your rights and the appropriate steps to take when encountering immigration enforcement officers.

Resources

California law and District policies provide important protections for students and employees. Immigration enforcement officers are subject to legal restrictions regarding access to nonpublic campus areas and student information.

We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with District protocols, review the available resources, and share this information with anyone who may benefit.

Campus and District Resources

SDCCD Immigration Resources: SDCCD Resources
Red Card resources: Red Cards
Mesa College student support services: Mental Health, Borderless Scholars, Dreamer Resource Center
Legal Services: Legal Services
College Police contact information: (619) 388-6405

Meet the DREAM Team

Leticia Diaz	Dean of Student Success and Equity	[email protected]
Ángel Aguilar Garcia	Dreamer Resource Center and Borderless Scholars Program Coordinator	[email protected]
Rosa Palacios	EOPS/Borderless Scholars Adjunct Counselor	[email protected]