As immigration enforcement in the U.S. heightens, Sonoma State students and their families are feeling the effects. Concerns over deportations, legal uncertainties, and potential family separations have raised tensions on campus.
In recent weeks, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted multiple operations across Southern California targeting individuals without legal immigration status. A series of 70 arrests were made in Kern County, including some individuals with criminal records, raising anxiety and false rumors of ICE raids in Santa Rosa.
Some local advocates such as Sonoma County law enforcement have worked to calm fears following the false reports of immigration raids. Advocates have recommended The North Bay Rapid Response Network, that can be reached at (707) 800-4544, for information sharing and legal assistance.
Isabel Osorio, a fourth-year communications and media studies major said that she has developed anxiety due to the ICE raids and the immigration crackdowns happening in other states.
“Well I’m not from the area but I have so much anxiety for other people in the community. I hope that people still go to work and especially school and are aware of their rights. Try to continue on is all we can do,” Osorio said.
Another student reported that they are afraid of being sent back to a country they are not familiar with. They have lived in the United States since they were five years old.
“As an undocumented student I came to Sonoma State University to pursue a better future for me and make my family proud, but now I live with fear and it’s affecting my mental health. We Mexicans, we feel under attack. They all say we have rights, but it seems that ICE does not care and is taking anyone. I am worried for all of my family members and the community,” the fourth-year Sonoma State student said, who requested anonymity due to fear of deportation.
The student expressed the deep emotional tolls caused by the raids. “I don’t want to be forced back to a country where violence is a constant threat.”
Christian De La Cruz, a fourth-year communications major, said that he worries not only for undocumented individuals, but for communities of color who are being unfairly targeted based on language and appearance.
“So for me, as someone of Latino origin, with grandparents from both sides of my family immigrating to the U.S. from Mexico and Guatemala legally, we won’t have any issues in regards to worrying about legal status,” De La Cruz said.
“However, back home in the Bay, it’s been pretty bad almost to the point where it is affecting my community. In Redwood City where I am from, ICE officers have been seen by Denny’s which is a popular spot for many Latinos and where I go with people from the theater, and one of my friends saw a mother and her child get detained by ICE during the night two days ago. It’s frustrating to see people’s skin color and the language they speak automatically get judged, and in this case, be detained or arrested just for looking ‘illegal,’” De La Cruz said.
“I feel for my friends that are back home, and even slightly worried wanting to go back to Redwood City just to go hang out with friends or family. All of my theater friends are in agreement that we won’t be going to Denny’s for the next few weeks or months,” De La Cruz added.
According to a new policy from Homeland Security, ICE officers will now be allowed to enter locations like schools, churches, and hospitals to make arrests, indicating a reversal of policies which previously prevented arrests from taking place in these types of settings.
To protect the community, Sonoma State has offered “Know Your Rights” cards which are provided by the DREAM Center. Located on the first floor of the library in Schulz 1119. The cards are also available at the Seawolf Service Center in Salazar Hall.
Sonoma State administration sent out an email for guidelines for possible interactions with immigration enforcement. The university advises the following actions.
- Request to see the officers’ credentials.
- Take photographs or videos of the interactions.
- Contact the Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging at 707-664-2316. If unavailable, call the police department at 707-664-4444
These resources aim to empower students and make sure that they know their rights during uncertain times.