The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District introduced a new immigration policy on March 20. This comes in response to growing concerns among students and faculty regarding federal immigration enforcement actions.
In January, the district stated that both police and Campus Safety and Security would be prohibited from assisting immigration enforcement. However, in March, a joint letter by Chancellor Ronald Gerhard and College Presidents Dyrell Foster and Jamal Cooks announced that immigration enforcement will be given restricted access to the Las Positas and Chabot campuses.
Despite these changes, the district claims to remain committed to upholding the rights of immigrants within the community.
The announcement followed a period of increased tension surrounding federal immigration policies — even more so under the Trump administration. Concerns regarding immigrant students’ safety have grown as a result of increased immigration enforcement actions in schools and universities nationwide.
The Trump administration’s targeting of immigrant students has exacerbated these fears and anxiety throughout the nation. At least a dozen immigrant students from Columbia University and Tufts University have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to their support for Palestinian human rights.Writing op-eds and organizing protests have made these students targets. All students who were detained or faced threats from ICE are green-card holders.
“Our commitment is to ensure the safety of our students and employees during these challenging times. Especially for our undocumented students and employees,” Foster said.
The new policy, known as Board Policy 3415: Immigration Enforcement Activities, will ensure that the immigration status of students and faculty will not be disclosed to I.C.E unless required by state or federal law. The policy also includes provisions for student support and legal review to protect the rights of students and employees.
While the district’s policy aims to provide a level of protection for students and staff, it still operates within the framework of state and federal laws.
“Because we are a public community college, if ICE agents appear on our campus, they are allowed to be in public open spaces such as the parking lots, lobbies and outdoor areas,” Foster said.
The district also said that it would continue to provide support to students who may face legal challenges due to immigration enforcement, including financial aid and academic resources. According to Foster, an announcement will be made within a month or two on how LPC can support detained students.
Across the district, students can access support services impacted by these policies at El Centro, the Dream Center and the New Student Support Center for resources, legal guidance or safe spaces. The Cultural Community Center at LPC will be open in May.
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Top photo: Las Positas, as of March 20, has enacted new policies related to immigration and what to do when encountering I.C.E. officials. (Photo courtesy of Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)
Sabrina Hossain is the Social Media Editor for The Express. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @WritersBlock678.
