Federal immigration agents arrested a student near San Diego City College on Tuesday morning and briefly pursued another onto campus grounds, prompting college officials to offer counseling and legal services.
Unmarked ICE vehicles stopped a car around 9:30 a.m. near the intersection of 16th Street and C Street, arresting the driver who authorities believe was a student at the college. A second student, a passenger in the vehicle, fled onto campus property. Agents reportedly ceased their pursuit upon realizing the student had entered college grounds.
Video obtained by local station ABC10 showed the first student being detained. The encounter led to students gathering on campus, with some marking the ground with chalk messages. San Diego City College stated that it is providing support to students and employees affected by the incident.
While colleges and universities are designated as "sensitive locations" under current ICE guidance, this policy does not prohibit enforcement entirely. Certain planned enforcement actions at or focused on these locations require additional approval. Exceptions can be made in situations involving an imminent risk of death, violence, or physical harm. ICE policy generally treats areas open to the public differently from restricted or nonpublic spaces such as private offices or residence halls. Entry into nonpublic areas may require authorization or a judicial warrant, depending on the circumstances.