ICE raids have been a popular topic in the community leaving fear in many. Members of BC have turned to the community to ask how they stay informed about this current event taking place, if they know their rights, how they felt about ICE trying to imply school raids, and its effects on students.
When asked Frank Martinez, Executive Dean on how he will handle this matter, and he had this to say regarding immigration enforcement, “We recognize the recent immigration enforcement activity has created for many of our students and their families. We are here to support every student in their pursuit of higher education. Bakersfield college will continue to provide comprehensive resources. The renegade Nexus is available to help with housing, transportation, or food insecurity, the Health and Wellness center for healthcare needs, and the counseling and advising center to discuss attendance concerns. Students can also utilize free legal services from Rapid Response Kern and the UFW foundation. We are committed to ensuring that all students feel supported and have access to the resources they need.”
Many BC students seem to have the same concerns and worries. When interviewed students on campus, they had this to say about immigration enforcement while at school, “I don’t think that kind of stress should be put on students especially while they’re in school because many children of immigrant families take their education seriously and it can shift their focus onto being more afraid that they can show up to their campus and be separated from their family,” said an individual on campus.
Another individual stated, “Schools should be a safe space where students can focus on learning, growing and planning their futures- not living in fear that their parents might be taken away or that they themselves could be detained. Many of us already face immense stress from academics, financial struggles and societal expectations. Adding the fear of deportation on top of that is not only cruel but also counterproductive to education.”
Members of BC wanted to see how informed our students were about resources available to them and the community, which one student stated, “There is an app and a website that I have heard of that shows you where ICE has been spotted, I think the app can be helpful to families who are afraid of immigration it helps them stay safe. There is also red cards being provided to many people that list your rights.”
Someone else shared their perspective and said, “There are organizations like United We Dream, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center provide support, legal guidance and advocacy for immigrant students and their families. Some schools and community centers offer “know your rights” workshops, legal aid and mental health support for students dealing with immigration-related stress.”