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Immigration-related Information and Resources

Sacramento State supports all members of our diverse, global campus community. Members of our campus community may have questions and concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions on campus. We are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every Hornet can thrive. This webpage provides guidance on responding to immigration officers, information about individual rights, and available resources.

The University Police Department does not have responsibility for immigration enforcement. Consistent with California Law, and the approach of law enforcement agencies in California, it does not inquire about immigration status in the normal course of its duties and will not participate with other agencies in immigration enforcement activities unless legally required to do so.

What To Do If You See ICE On Campus

Who To Contact

If you observe or are approached by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, immediately contact one of the following campus leaders:

After business hours, please contact Machelle Martin at the number above, or contact the University Police Department at 916-278-6000.

What to Say

Knowing and asserting your rights calmly is important. Below is sample language you can use if you are presented with a judicial warrant or asked to provide access to private spaces or information about any individuals:

“I am not authorized to speak with you, answer your questions, or provide access to any people or facilities per CSU policy. Only our designated administrators have the authority to assist you.”

You can then provide the name and contact information for our campus designated administrators and immediately contact your manager.

Additional information

Resource Card - Postcard-sized Resource Card - Wallet-sized

Public vs. Private Campus Spaces

Sacramento State is a public university, and a large portion of the campus is open to the general public, including federal immigration enforcement officers.

However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have limited authority when it comes to entering private spaces without a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to deny entry if agents cannot produce a proper judicial warrant.

Learn the difference between public and private spaces on campus.

Public spaces are areas to the open general public where entry is NOT restricted or limited. These spaces are freely accessible and may include outdoor and common-use areas.

  • Walkways
  • Open spaces such as walkways, Library Quad or Acorn Amphitheater (Main Quad)
  • Building hallways and lobbies
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Common areas in the University Union such as dining areas
  • Public areas of the Library, such as study areas
  • Athletic facilities during public events

Private spaces are areas of campus that require keys, cards or fobs for entry. Private spaces are areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy and where access is typically restricted or requires permission.

  • Residence halls
  • Classrooms while classes are in session
  • Faculty and staff offices
  • Rooms with locked doors
  • Spaces with a sign indicating that the space is private

Limited access spaces are areas that are generally left unlocked during work hours but are not considered public due to their functions. Access to these areas may require a special permission or operational needs.

  • Spaces of academic advising or career counseling
  • Unrestricted access buildings and centers used as common spaces (e.g., open student spaces, general housing spaces accessible to anyone, centers)
  • Spaces that are generally open but can be locked at any point

Know Your Rights

All people in the United states, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.

  • The regional Immigrant Legal Resource Center's (ILRC) Know Your Rights Red Card is designed to help individuals communicate their rights during encounters with immigration officials. You can download it below in several languages, or obtain a free card at the Dreamer Resource Center.
  • The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) has a presentation to help you know your rights.

The CSU has this list of resources, guides and FAQs for faculty, staff and students.

In addition, a Know Your Rights Training will be coming soon:

  • Responding to immigration enforcement actions
  • Steps you can take to protect student safety, uphold privacy laws, and follow campus protocols
Download your red card Know Your Rights Presentation

Resources for the Sacramento State Community

Resources for Students:

Resources for Faculty and Staff:

Resources for the entire Hornet community: