U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a student near San Diego City College on Tuesday morning, according to the school.
At around 9:30 a.m., ICE agents in an unmarked vehicle stopped a car at the corner of 16th and C streets, according to Jack Beresford, the school spokesperson.
The driver, confirmed to be a City College student, was arrested while a passenger, also a student, fled onto the campus, according to City College president Ricky Shabazz.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson initially said the driver, identified as Renatho Kemsley Casseus, was not a student. They have since walked that back. DHS said the driver was a Haitian immigrant in the country illegally.
"During his arrest, he attempted to flee to a college campus, but officers prevented it," the spokesperson said in a statement to KPBS. "He illegally entered the U.S. on May 12, 2023, through El Paso, Texas, and was released into the country by the Biden administration."
In June, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. The program allows people to live and work in the United States when conditions in their home country prevent them from returning.
DHS did not mention the other student, whom ICE agents pursued onto the campus but stopped when they realized they were entering a college campus. The agents then returned to their vehicles and left, Beresford said.
“We are providing support to the passenger,” Beresford said in a statement. “Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, no additional details will be shared about the impacted individuals.”
In a video statement posted on YouTube, San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) Chancellor Greg Smith denounced the action and said ICE has left the campus and the surrounding area.
"This is a very unfortunate incident," he said in the video. "No student, employee or member of our community should be afraid when they come to school, or they come to work or they come to participate in the many activities and services we offer."
City College said the campus remains open and classes are continuing as scheduled Tuesday.
Under California law, campus police and college district employees are forbidden to participate in, assist with or coordinate in ICE enforcement activities.
“This intrusion by law enforcement is both disruptive, unwelcome, and in conflict with the SDCCD’s core values,” Beresford said. “The safety and well-being of students and employees will always be the district’s highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining access to all members of our community.”
The college said it is providing counseling and legal services to students, employees and anyone affected by ICE enforcement actions Tuesday.
“We understand this news may be unsettling for members of our community,” Cesar Gumapas, the college communication officer, said in an email to students, faculty and staff. “Your safety, and the safety of every student and employee, remains our top priority.”
