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Know Your Rights: Immigration & AHC

At Allan Hancock College, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. We understand that questions and concerns may arise regarding immigration enforcement on campus. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below provide important information about AHC’s policies, your rights, and what to do if you encounter immigration officials on or near campus. Our goal is to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have access to accurate information and resources to navigate these situations with confidence and clarity.

Allan Hancock College is focused on creating and maintaining a supportive environment for all students, families, community members, and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allan Hancock College is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. The college does not voluntarily share student information with immigration enforcement agencies and does not participate in federal immigration enforcement activities

Remain calm and do not spread unverified information. If you are concerned about their presence on campus, notify the Office of the College President at 805-922-6966 ext. 3223. If you are at an AHC community site or observe ICE or immigration officials on campus after 5 p.m., call AHC Campus Safety at 805-922-6966 ext.3911 or 805-347-7557. Spreading misinformation can create unnecessary panic.

Everyone – both documented and undocumented persons – has rights in this country:

  • Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking. 
  • Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent. You have the right to remain silent (5th ammendment).
  • Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. 
  • If you are outside your home, ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, leave calmly. 
  • If you are inside your home, ask for a warrant with your name on it signed by a judge with your specific and correct name and address on it before allowing entry. They must slide it under the door. 

  • Carry a "Know Your Rights" card and present it if necessary. These cards are available to both citizens and noncitizens and are available at the following locations:
     
    • Santa Maria Campus: Student Activities and Outreach office (G-102-105); AIM to Dream Center (K-11C); Community Education Office (S-122); Vice President of Student Services Office (A-213) 
    • Lompoc Valley Center: Admissions & Records (bldg. 1) 
    • Santa Ynez Valley Center: Admissions & Records (R-1) 

Here are maps of the Santa Maria campus and Lompoc Valley Center. and Santa Ynez Valley Center.

Know Your Rights (aka red cards) can be ordered through the Campus Graphics ordering site. After logging in, go to:

New Order > G. Pathway & Store > Know Your Rights RED CARDS

The cards are available in both English and Spanish and come in packs of 100. They will be printed on the same material as AHC business cards. Due to cost and turnaround time, lamination will not be available. 

Allan Hancock College is a public institution, meaning many areas of campus are open to the general public, including federal immigration enforcement officials. However, ICE officers cannot enter restricted areas such as classrooms or offices without a judicial warrant. If an ICE officer is observed on campus and you have concerns, contact the Office of the College President immediately at 805-922-6966 ext. 3223. If this ocurs after 5 p.m. or at an AHC community site, call AHC Campus Safety at 805-922-6966 ext. 3911 or 805-347-7557.

Contact AHC Campus Safetyimmediately at (805) 347-7557 or (805) 922-6966 ext. 3911.

Student records are protected under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No personally identifiable student information will be disclosed without the student’s written consent, a judicial warrant, or a subpoena. The following Directory Information may be released without student signature of approval:  

  • Student name 
  • Dates of attendance 
  • Major field of study 
  • Degrees and awards received 
  • Honors and dean’s list recognition 

Students may withhold Directory Information by notifying the Director, Admissions and Records in writing. 

Employees should: 

  • Remain calm and professional.
  • Not disclose any student information.
  • Direct the officer to the Office of the College President (B101).
  • Allow the College President’s Office to review and respond to the request.
  • Maintain confidentiality and document the interaction.

Faculty teaching class should not leave their classroom(s). Instead, they should notify the Office of the College President at 805-922-6966 ext. 3223. If you are at an AHC community site or this occurs after 5 p.m,, call AHC Campus Safety at 805-922-6966 ext.3911 or 805-347-7557.

 

 

No. Campus Safety will not detain, question, or arrest anyone solely based on their immigration status and do not collaborate with ICE for enforcement purposes. However, they may work with other federal law enforcement agencies for criminal investigations.

AHC offers support through the AIM to Dream Center, which provides: 

  • Free immigration services and workshops 
  • Assistance with technology and language learning 
  • Scholarships and legal referrals 

For more information, visit the AIM to Dream Center in building K, Room 11C, or contact (805) 922-6966 ext. 3177. Here is a map of the Santa Maria campus.

AHC provides mental health counseling through Student Health Services, including access to Uwill, an online therapy platform. External resources include: 

The Basic Needs Center has access to limited state funding that can be used for emergencies. If a student is eligible, students could be awarded need-based emergency aid up to $500.

If you are in distress or require immediate help, contact AHC Campus Safety: (805) 347-7557 or (805) 922-6966 ext. 3911. For general concerns about safety or support in obtaining assistance, students can also visit the AIM to Dream Center in K-11C. Allan Hancock College remains dedicated to protecting and supporting our students.