Update [10/02/2025, 10:05 p.m.]: This article was updated to include resources by the University of California.
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent entered the Santa Catalina Residence Hall on Oct. 2. According to staff members, the agent was searching for a specific individual, but no information was shared by staff.Â
Around 10:30 a.m, an individual who identified themselves to a front desk attendant as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) agent 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.Â
The staff member told the Nexus that he believes the agent was able to access FT when a resident entered or exited the building, since an electronic key is needed to enter. The I.C.E. agent showed the staff member a file on an individual with an FT address. It is unknown whether the individual currently lives at the residence hall or how the agent obtained their address.  Â
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.Â
According to the staff member, the I.C.E. agent left the building after the roughly five-minute conversation. It is unknown if the agent stayed in the area after the interaction.Â
Earlier today, the 805 Immigrant Coalition, a local immigration advocacy network, reported that four individuals were detained near Santa Barbara City College. The Nexus was unable to confirm whether the agent who entered FT was involved in these detainments.Â
Since early July, the Nexus has tracked 22 I.C.E. sightings in Santa Barbara. Before this date, the closest I.C.E. sighting to campus was at the Los Carneros Road exit on United States Highway 101.Â
UC Santa Barbara media spokesperson Kiki Reyes shared resources, including the Immigrant Legal Service Center, “Know Your Rights” card and 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 going on campus. However, University police officers will not work with agents to apprehend and remove individuals, as that is not part of their jurisdiction.Â
The Nexus will continue reporting on this topic as more information becomes available.
