OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

January 16, 2026

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ALL ACADEMICS, STAFF AND STUDENTS AT UC SAN DIEGO, INCLUDING UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH

UC San Diego Update: Policy on Federal Immigration Enforcement

Triton Community,

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.

The university currently has no reports or indication of upcoming immigration action on our campus. If the university receives a report or indication of upcoming immigration enforcement activity on campus, the following plan will be activated along with a reminder of the resources that we have available.

Immigration Enforcement Notifications

To comply with the law, if federal immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus, UC San Diego will send an “SB 98 notification” via email. The notification will include details about the time and location of the activity and will not include any personally identifiable information.

“Immigration enforcement” is defined as “any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”

It is important to note that federal immigration agencies can and do enter campus for non-enforcement activities, which can include recruitment and activities related to normal nonimmigrant visa status verifications. The SB 98 notification will be issued only when the university confirms immigration enforcement activities.

The below procedures and information relate only to immigration enforcement activities.

If You See ICE on Campus

If you are advised that an immigration officer is expected to enter, will enter or has entered the campus to execute a federal immigration order, please notify the UC San Diego Police at (858) 534-4358 (HELP) or the UC San Diego Health Security Dispatch Center at (619) 543-3762 for Health system facilities as soon as possible.

If You Have Contact with ICE on Campus

All students, faculty and staff responding to or having contact with an immigration officer executing a federal immigration order should refer the officer to the Office of Campus Counsel, WarrantQuestions@ucsd.edu, for purposes of verifying the legality of any warrant, court order, or subpoena.

If you are or may be subject to an immigration order or inquiry on campus, please contact the following:

  • Undocumented Student Services: undoc@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-691
  • International Services and Engagement Office: iContact.ucsd.edu or (858) 534-3730

Additional Information and Resources

  • University of California FAQs on possible federal immigration enforcement actions on UC property
  • UC ‘Know Your Rights’ printable card
  • UC Immigrant Services Legal Center
  • Systemwide resources for undocumented students at UC
  • UC Systemwide Federal Updates
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): For UC San Diego students
  • Faculty and Staff Assistance Program: For UC San Diego employees

Pradeep K. Khosla                                                    
Chancellor
Joan and Irwin Jacobs Chancellor’s Endowed Chair

University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093