On Feb. 27, Superintendent-President Mike Munoz hosted a webinar regarding the school’s introduction of “limited zones,” on-campus designated spaces for students or employees who may feel threatened by immigration enforcement.
Limited zones will be located on both campuses, LAC and TTC, and would also include classrooms while classes are in session.
“We made sure to strategically place these limited zones in locations monitored by staff,” said Nohel Corral, who co-hosted the event.
Limited zones will be secured by key cards, locked doors, and discrete entry points.
“They are rooms that you wouldn’t be able to see from a hallway or from outside,” said Corral.
Importantly, immigration enforcement is not allowed to enter without proper warrants.
Once limited zones were explained, Administrative Vice President, Candace Jones, took the time to explain Administrative Procedure (AP) 3415.
AP 3415 is a policy which specifies non-participation in immigration enforcement activities by a school, and how students and employees should follow it.
“The important action that we need everyone to do is stay calm,” said Jones.
If confronted by an immigration enforcement agent, AP 3415 instructs students and employees to immediately call the offices of the Superintendent-President, campus safety, or public safety.
“Employees are expected to contact my office if there are any problems,” said Munoz when asked about the school’s plan if ICE were to come on campus.
An authorized designee will then verify any presented warrants, ensure that the warrant was signed by a judge, and that the agent will only be searching the areas described in the warrant.
Jones listed LBCC campus police as another resource, and ensured both students and employees that the college will provide the available resources to support them if they come into contact with any ICE officials.
“LBCC understands the importance of staying proactive to changing circumstances,” said Corral when asked about the unlikely possibility of any state policy changes regarding immigration.
“We’ll reevaluate and shift strategies to protect our students and employees,” said Corral.
Corral further recommended students and employees can go to the Centro CHA – Immigration Legal Services website for more information and resources at: https://centrocha.org/immigration-legal-services/