Update [10/07/2025, 1:45 p.m.]: This article has been updated from its original version to better reflect the University’s ongoing investigation into the incident.
Update [10/03/2025, 9:41 p.m.]: This article was updated to include a statement from the University stating that it is currently investigating the incident and does not believe it was immigration enforcement.
Update [10/02/2025, 10:05 p.m.]: This article was updated to include resources by the University of California.
According to staff members, an unconfirmed immigration official entered the Santa Catalina Residence Hall on Oct. 2. The unconfirmed official was searching for a specific individual, but no information was shared by staff. At this time, the University does not believe it was an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agent.
Around 10:30 a.m, an individual who showed a badge to a front desk attendant entered the Santa Catalina Residence Hall, commonly referred to as FT. The attendant referred the agent to an FT staff member, who wished to remain anonymous to protect his employment.
According to UC Santa Barbara media spokesperson Kiki Reyes, the University is investigating the incident and at this time, does not believe it was an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agent.
“The university is looking into a report concerning individuals identifying themselves as federal representatives who entered the lobby of one of our housing residences and asked to speak to an individual regarding an expired international student immigration status,” Reyes said. “By university policy, and in accordance with FERPA, the university did not disclose any information and the individuals were denied access to the residence hall. At this time, the campus does not believe that the individuals were agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
The staff member told the Nexus that he believes the unconfirmed agent was able to access FT when a resident entered or exited the building, since an electronic key is needed to enter. The unconfirmed agent showed the staff member a file on a person with an FT address. It is unknown whether the individual currently lives at the residence hall or how the agent obtained their address.
None of the staff members disclosed information about any residents, whether current or former, as per the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In accordance with FERPA, personal information from education records cannot be shared until a student consents.
According to the staff member, the unconfirmed agent left the building after the roughly five-minute conversation. It is unknown if the agent stayed in the area after the interaction.
Earlier today, the 805 Immigrant Coalition, a local immigration advocacy network, reported that four individuals were detained near Santa Barbara City College.
Since early July, the 805 Immigrant Coalition has tracked roughly 22 I.C.E. sightings in Santa Barbara, which the Nexus has added to its tracker.
Reyes shared resources, including services at the UC Immigrant Legal Service Center, and a UC “Know Your Rights” card. Reyes also shared a Q&A regarding possible federal enforcement actions on University property. According to the Q&A, the University of California does not have the authority to prevent I.C.E. agents from entering campus. However, it’s the UC’s policy that University police officers will not work with agents to apprehend and remove individuals, as this is not within their jurisdiction.
The Nexus will continue reporting on this topic as more information becomes available.
We are democrats hear and we no that it takes a village to stand up to the FoxNews-watching republitards that comprise ICE. These write wing morrons our too stupid to no that we will RESIST. Immigration is an international write! Know president can tell anyone not to cross are border especially the orange idoit that occupies 1600 Pittsburgh Ave.