Below are steps for San Jacinto College students, faculty, and staff to follow if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agents come to campus. While not legal advice, these steps are here as general guidelines to help ensure legal compliance while protecting the rights and privacy of our campus community.
As a public institution, San Jac campuses are mostly open to the public, including to law enforcement officers. However, certain areas are restricted or limited due to privacy concerns, operational needs, or safety considerations. Federal immigration enforcement officers are required to follow the College's access protocols when entering non-public spaces.
That being said, Department of Homeland Security or I.C.E. officials are also welcome to visit campuses for purposes unrelated to enforcement, such as career fairs or guest lectures.
Due to our international programs, San Jac is required to report specific information about students on F-1 or J-1 visas to I.C.E. This is a routine process, and we must allow on-site visits to review records when requested.
Access Categories:
Areas open to the general public where entry is not restricted or limited. These spaces are freely accessible and may include outdoor and common-use areas.
Examples: Outdoor areas , library common areas, welcome center and academic building common areas, dining areas, unresticted access buildings, and streets.
Spaces that are typically left unlocked during work hours but are not considered public due to their function. Access to these areas may need special permission or operational functions.
Examples: Faculty offices, classrooms in session, locker rooms, kitchens, food preparation areas, maintenance areas, storage rooms, and other operational facilities.
Areas that need a key card, locked doors, or monitored entryways for access are protected to maintain safety and privacy.
Examples: Locked classrooms, administrative offices, and restricted research laboratories.
It depends. You must allow federal immigration officers into a restricted-access building if they have a valid judicial warrant.
Follow these steps:
They should have a warrant to enter. If they do have a warrant, follow the steps listed provided in the question above.
No. As a San Jac employee, you must keep student information private, as required by federal laws.
Immigration officers need a valid warrant or subpoena to access that kind of information. They do not receive more access than the public unless they have a valid warrant or subpoena.
Follow these steps:
Any student, faculty, or staff member who could use additional support right now is urged to use our mental health resources available at San Jac. Reach out today to meet with a campus counselor, or call in to speak with one. We are here to support you.
