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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.

CSU is a public university and a large portion of CSU property is open to the general public. The areas on campus that are open to the general public, like the campus quad and walkways, are also open to federal immigration enforcement officers. However, immigration officers cannot enter areas that are not open to the general public, such as residence halls, classrooms while class is in session, confidential meeting rooms and spaces, or employee offices unless the officer presents a valid judicial warrant or declares that exigent circumstances exist. Exigent circumstances are emergency situations that would allow immigration officers to enter a location without a judicial warrant.

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.

Policy and Resource Card - Postcard-sized

Policy and Resource Card - Wallet-sized

Campus Contacts

Sacramento State has designated the individuals listed below to review all immigration enforcement documents. If an immigration enforcement officer approaches you to gain access to a nonpublic area of the university campus, or to obtain confidential student or employee records, do not voluntarily grant access; respectfully inform the officer that you lack authority but will immediately contact our designated campus administrator. If neither of these administrators is available, contact the University Police Department (UPD) at 916-278-6000.

If the contact occurs on campus outside of business hours, call the University Police Department at 916-278-6000.

If immigration enforcement officers declare exigent circumstances, or enter nonpublic spaces without permission, do not interfere or obstruct them. Immediately contact UPD.

The University has designated points of contact for campus community members who are or may be subject to immigration orders or inquiries. These designees can connect community members to resources and support. Students who are or may be subject to immigration orders or inquiries may contact Bill Hèbert, dean of students, at the contact information listed above. Employees who are or may be subject to immigration orders or inquiries may contact Machelle Martin, senior associate vice president for Human Resources, at the contact information listed above.

The CSU's Policy

  • CSU enrollment and tuition policies are not based on immigration status and should not be impacted by anticipated Executive Orders.
  • State funding available under the California Dream Act is based on residency rules, not immigration status.
  • CSU will not release immigration status or related information in confidential student records to federal agencies or other parties without a judicial warrant, a subpoena, a court order, or as otherwise required by law.
  • CSU is committed to assuring an environment where all members of our university community are not hesitant or afraid to come forward or interact with our University Police Departments (UPD) for fear of intervention by ICE.
  • The primary jurisdiction for enforcement of federal immigration laws concerning unlawful entry into the United States rests with ICE, not the University or UPD.
  • There is no connection between the TPM policy and immigration enforcement actions taken by federal or other agencies external to the CSU. The TPM policy will not be used for any purpose connected with immigration status or enforcement.

Learn more about CSU resources

Know Your Rights

The regional Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s (ILRC) Know Your Rights Red Card is designed to help individuals communicate their rights in encounters with immigration officials.

You can download it below in several languages, or obtain a free card in the Dreamer Resource Center.

Download your red card

Resources for the Sac State Community