Los Medanos College has outlined new procedures for notifying students and employees in the event that federal immigration enforcement agents are confirmed on or near campus, following updates in California law intended to protect undocumented and mixed-status communities on college campuses.
Senate Bill 98 requires public colleges to quickly notify their campus communities if immigration enforcement activity occurs on site. Assembly Bill 49 requires institutions to have clear response protocols, legal support referrals and communication safeguards in place. Together, the laws emphasize timely communication and access to resources rather than secrecy or confusion.
LMC President Pamela Ralston said the policies aim to prevent fear and misinformation.
“We’ve already gotten some calls from students asking if they need to be worried,” Ralston said. “Everyone on campus is notified if we have confirmed ICE activity. Nothing has happened to date, but the law helps us combat false rumors that can create fear in our immigrant communities.”
Ralston said the college will only respond to confirmed enforcement presence, not speculation, and emphasized that the campus is committed to protecting privacy. “Anything not signed by a judge or court order is not valid,” she added.
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, LMC administrators and faculty said the legislation intersects with campus climate and the college’s responsibility to maintain access to education.
“It’s extremely important not just to communicate, but to provide actionable steps,” said English professor and Puente co-coordinator Yollotl López. “Students need to know where support exists and that the campus takes their safety seriously. Many students and families carry fear around disclosing their status, so outreach has to be intentional.”
López said they think that only a small portion of students are currently aware of the legal, academic and wellness resources available to them. “Posters are great, but most students hear about resources through word of mouth,” they said. “A more hands-on approach — like faculty distributing information directly in class — can make a real difference.”
Senior Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Rosa Armendariz oversees the college’s Dreamers Initiative, supported through the Dreamer Resource Liaison Fund provided by the state chancellor’s office. The initiative funds legal workshops, counseling, outreach, the annual 4CD Dreamers Conference and weekly free immigration consultations offered in partnership with the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area.
“We want people to know that LMC is a safe campus and that the hope of education remains alive,” Armendariz said. “These policies ensure our community understands we are here to support them.”
Campus officials emphasized that while the college has protocols in place, there has been no immigration enforcement activity at LMC to date.
Resources for undocumented and mixed-status students are available through Student Services, the Dreamers Alliance committee and counseling offices.
