Federal immigration enforcement: UC Davis policies, resources and guidance

Quick Summary

• UC Davis will notify the campus community if it confirms federal immigration law enforcement activity has taken place on campus
• UC Davis provides resources for international and undocumented community members
   

UC Davis affirms its commitment to our international students, staff and faculty, as well as members of our undocumented community and supports their ability to work, learn, teach and thrive on our campuses. This page provides information about policies, procedures and resources related to possible federal immigration enforcement activities on our campuses.

Two state laws, SB 98 (2025) and AB 21 (2017), establish guidelines and procedures intended to foster a campus environment that is safe and inclusive for all, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, these laws require campuses to provide support for students who are detained, deported or otherwise unable to meet their academic obligations because of immigration enforcement activity.

We recognize that many are experiencing fear, uncertainty and stress due to heightened immigration enforcement activity. Sharing information about our policies and procedures is vital to protect the safety and dignity of our students, staff, faculty and patients while observing university protocols and complying with state and federal law.
 

• Immigration enforcement activity
• If you see ICE on campus
• If ICE enters your work area
• Public vs private spaces
• More resources

Immigration enforcement activity

If federal immigration enforcement activity is confirmed at a UC Davis campus, the university will send an email alert to students, staff and faculty. An “SB 98 Notification” message will provide information about the time and general location of an enforcement action and will highlight resources for members of our community.

It is important to note that federal immigration agencies routinely enter campus for non-enforcement activities, such as immigration visa processing. The SB 98 Notification will be issued only when the university confirms immigration enforcement activities.

Enforcement of federal immigration laws rests with the federal government, and not with UC Davis police. UC Davis police will not contact, detain, question or arrest an individual solely because of suspected undocumented immigration status or to discover the immigration status of any individual. UC Davis police will not undertake joint efforts with federal immigration enforcement authorities to investigate, detain or arrest individuals for violation of federal immigration law.

If you see ICE on campus

It is common that false rumors spread about planned or potential federal immigration law enforcement activity. We encourage people to be careful to assess the information they have before taking action.

If you personally observe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers engaged in law enforcement activities on a UC Davis campus, immediately call Student Affairs at (530) 754-5658 and provide as much information as possible regarding time, location and description of personnel and activities.

If ICE enters your work area

Remain calm. If presented with a judicial warrant or asked to provide access to private spaces or information about any individuals:

• Inform the agent that you are not obstructing their process and need to consult with campus counsel because you are not authorized to give consent to access persons or non-public areas of buildings
• Ask for the agent’s name, ID number, agency affiliation and business card
• Ask to take a photo of the warrant or subpoena so you can provide it to campus counsel
• Contact Campus Counsel: (530) 754-7111

If no warrant is presented, contact Campus Counsel at (530) 754-7111. 

For more info on response to federal immigration officers on campus, including FAQs and the difference between administrative and judicial warrants, see the University of California FAQs for University Employees About Possible Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions on University Property

Public vs. private campus spaces

UC Davis is a public university, and many parts of our campus are open to the public, including federal immigration enforcement officers. However, some spaces are not accessible to the public, and federal immigration enforcement officers have limited authority to enter those spaces without a valid warrant signed by a judge. If agents lack a judicial warrant, you do not have authority to allow them to access non-public spaces without first consulting your managers and campus counsel.

In general, outdoor spaces such as the lawns and plazas outside buildings are public. Some outdoor spaces, such as animal enclosures, agricultural fields and athletics facilities are not public and require permission to gain access.

Building lobbies and areas that are freely accessible are generally considered public. Student housing, labs, classrooms and work areas that are typically closed to individuals without specific business in those areas are not generally considered public.

More resources

• University of California FAQs, including guidance for:
  • those approached by federal immigration officers on campus and medical facilities
  • responses to subpoenas and information requests, and
  • responsibilities of UC police
• UC ‘Know Your Rights’ printable card, designed to help individuals communicate their rights during encounters with immigration officials
• The UC systemwide federal updates web page addresses immigration, research support and other topics, with links to policies, resources and statements
• The California Attorney General’s Office offers information about housing, medical care and more at its Resources for California’s Immigrant Communities page
• The UC Immigrant Services Legal Center offers legal consultations and other services to all UC students and their immediate family members at no cost
• UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars supports international students and scholars with guidance regarding visa compliance, policy updates, legal requirements and documents, travel and academic and cultural concerns
• UC Davis Undocumented Student Resource Center seeks to inform and empower undocumented students, their families and members of the community, supporting recruitment and retention
• Student Health and Counseling Services provides resources for students experiencing heightened concerns or anxiety
• The Academic and Staff Assistance Program, or ASAP, provides resources for faculty or staff experiencing heightened concerns or anxiety