Immigration Information and Resources

As a public university, Chico State is largely open to the general public. Federal immigration enforcement officers may enter areas open to the general public without a warrant.

However, certain areas of the campus have limited public access, including residence halls, classrooms while classes are in session, administrative or faculty offices. Generally, law enforcement and ICE, need a judicial warrant to enter non-public spaces.

You are advised to inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but that you are required to contact university legal counsel for assistance before taking any further action. Contact one or both of the staff listed above and ask them to handle the request.

It is never a good idea to resist arrest – unlawful arrests can also later be challenged in court – but you have rights that cannot be taken away from you. You have the right to do the following:

• Ask that the officer give you name, identification number, and agency they work for. Ask for a dated warrant with a judge’s signature and your name on it.
• Ask: “Have I done anything wrong? Am I free to leave?”
• State: “I wish to remain silent. I do not consent to a search (of my house/car/clothes).”
• State: “If the court has given me a bond, I have the right/wish to pay.”
• Do not volunteer information without an attorney present, even if you are threatened.

Out of concern for the safety, privacy, and well-being of our entire community, and in accordance with the California SAFE Act, Chico State will promptly inform the campus community via email as soon as it becomes aware of any immigration enforcement activity on campus. 

The University will include as much verified information as possible, including the date, time, and on-campus location of activity. We will also provide guidance on available support resources. 

University Police Department (UPD) officers will not contact, detain, question, or arrest an individual solely on the basis of suspected undocumented immigration status or to discover their immigration status. UPD also will not undertake joint efforts with federal immigration enforcement authorities.

State law requires each CSU university to designate an individual who is to be informed when an immigration officer is expected to enter, will enter, or has entered the campus to execute a federal immigration order. This individual is also responsible for verifying the legality of any warrants, court orders and/or subpoenas.

University Diversity Officer Joseph Morales is the designee identified for our campus. He is reachable 24/7 at 530-898-3971 and via email at jmorales25@csuchico.edu. The secondary designee is Mike Thorpe with Risk Management, who is available at 530-898-6588 and via email at methorpe@csuchico.edu.

Student records are protected under federal and state laws, including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and University Policy EM 06-34. University employees are prohibited from inquiring about a student or employee’s citizenship or immigration status, and we avoid unnecessary collection of immigration status and maintain strict confidentiality in adherence to federal and state laws. We will verify any warrants or subpoenas requesting access to student records and notify students of any inquiries unless prohibited.

 Students and employees who are undocumented, on a U.S. visa (such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B), or have temporary protected or refugee status are strongly encouraged to use caution when considering international travel.

Immigration policies and enforcement practices can change quickly and may affect your ability to reenter the U.S. We recommend that you:

• Reach out to the Office of International Education and Global Engagement (IEGE) if you are an international student with concerns, or the Dream Center if you are an undocumented student.
• Consult with our immigration legal provider (CHIRLA) before making any travel plans.
• Check the most recent travel advisories from the CSU or U.S. immigration agencies.