January 27, 2025
Dear Colleagues:
It pains me that my first formal message of the semester involves this topic, but it has been reported that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies are pressing forward with plans to arrest and deport individuals and families living in California in the coming weeks.
We have no indication that any increased enforcement will focus on either West Valley or Mission College. I will communicate with the district community immediately if we receive any indication that enforcement actions are contemplated. However, I want to remind our community about our response if an ICE agent (or any other local, state, or federal agent) asks for access to campus or student information.
- Inform the agent that all agency inquiries – including ICE requests for directory information – are processed through the West Valley-Mission Community College District Office of the Chancellor in accordance with California Education Code 66093.
- Immediately contact District Police through County Communications at (408) 299-3233. No employee under any circumstances should share information about a student with anyone. All requests must go through the Office of the Chancellor.
- The District Chief of Police Chris Rolen (or the highest-ranking member on duty) will take the inquiring agent’s name, badge number, phone number, the name and phone number of the agent’s supervisor, and copies of warrants and/or subpoenas. This information will be shared with the Office of the Chancellor.
- The District Chief of Police will consult with the Office of the Chancellor and our legal representatives if presented with a signed court order or a verified claim of imminent danger to public safety to ensure appropriate compliance with applicable law.
- The District Chief of Police will liaison with the agent to ensure all student rights are protected and notify the Office of the Chancellor.
Please also note that there is no change to our District’s firm position regarding our undocumented students. We remain vigorously opposed to any enforcement actions occurring on our campuses and are fully dedicated to doing everything we can within the law to ensure that undocumented students’ access to a West Valley-Mission education is not interrupted. Chief Rolen will be conducting specialized training this week for any member of the district community seeking greater information.
Most importantly, WVMCCD’s public position is rooted in our mission and values as a district committed to championing every member of our community and modeling social justice. Informed by our values, we serve the public good and are committed to protecting our most vulnerable students. At a time when many of our students are suffering and preparing for the potential separation of their family, I continue to encourage everyone to exercise empathy and care for our students and their families facing these concerns, and to promote thoughtful dialogue aimed at developing pragmatic systems and policies that will enable all members of our community to thrive.
Sincerely,
-Brad
Bradley J. Davis
Chancellor
West Valley- Mission Community College District