News Summary
Students at San Diego State University are voicing concerns over immigration enforcement, particularly following F-1 visa revocations for several students. Protests advocating for immigrant rights have surged, leading to heightened tensions on campus. As universities implement new policies to manage protests, students demand better communication and support from their administration regarding immigration issues. The ongoing national debate on immigration is impacting student safety and community activism.
San Diego Students Raise Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement Amid Protests and Policy Changes
Students at San Diego State University (SDSU) are expressing growing concerns over immigration enforcement policies and their impacts on the campus community, following the revocation of F-1 visas for several students. In an email sent on April 10, the Office of the President confirmed that four SDSU students had their F-1 visas revoked, and their exchange records deleted. However, on April 25, reports indicated that three of these visas had been reinstated.
Throughout early 2025, students across San Diego, including those from SDSU, participated in protests advocating for pro-Palestinian rights and against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). During this period, UC San Diego reported multiple “free expression events,” resulting in increased tensions and a May 2024 event that led to 65 arrests. SDSU has witnessed hundreds of students participating in various walkouts and demonstrations related to immigration policies in recent years.
In response to growing protests, both SDSU and UC San Diego implemented Time, Place and Manner policies designed to regulate forms of expression at protests without limiting the content of the protests. These policies have been adopted by many universities in the area, including SDSU, UCSD, San Diego Community College District, and the University of San Diego, which have enacted ICE non-compliance policies. Such changes come amidst federal pressures, including threats from President Trump to cut funding for institutions that permit “illegal protests.” Additionally, after a Supreme Court ruling on September 8, 2024, which upheld ICE’s targeting practices based on ethnicity and location, California universities have faced increased scrutiny and pressure regarding their immigration policies.
Trump’s administration subsequently cut $350 million in grant funding to Hispanic-Serving Institutions, including SDSU, intensifying the concerns among students. Many at SDSU have voiced worries regarding the university’s inaction related to the potential presence of ICE on campus and the implications of immigration policies on their families. Students have indicated a lack of effective communication from the university regarding their rights and immigration-related issues.
Additional reports have indicated that five UCSD students also faced F-1 visa revocations, with one student being deported around April 2025. The initial five revocations increased to 35, although many were reactivated shortly after. Conversations surrounding immigration have become a frequent topic among students, with information regarding student rights largely being disseminated through peer networks rather than through university communication channels.
In response to the perceived lack of communication from SDSU, M.e.Ch.A, a student organization, organized a protest on September 10 titled “Shame on SDSU,” highlighting concerns over the university’s silence in the face of recent immigration policies and the ongoing Supreme Court ruling. M.e.Ch.A’s leadership emphasized that students feel unsafe and uncertain given the administration’s lack of clear positioning on these pressing issues.
Despite SDSU’s claim that ICE has not participated in recent career fairs, students remain anxious due to past instances creating a sense of insecurity on campus. Outreach from SDSU regarding Time, Place and Manner policies has been noted, yet many protest organizers argue these measures restrict their rights to protest. One fourth-year student criticized the administration for not taking a definitive stance against the Supreme Court ruling, asserting the need for immigrant students’ support.
Protests against ICE in National City and San Diego have seen significant participation, with demonstrators expressing outrage over recent raids and the agency’s overall tactics. San Diego congressional leaders are now demanding accountability from the Department of Homeland Security regarding ICE’s actions during demonstrations and enforcement raids, continuing the call for more transparency and protection for immigrant students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SDSU Celebrates Achievements Amidst Higher Education Challenges
ICE Detains Parent Near Elementary School, Causing Community Alarm
San Diego Hosts Music, Sports, and Lemon Festival Events
Visa Turmoil Hits San Diego State University
Additional Resources
- San Diego Students Cite Lacking Communications
- NBC San Diego: National City ICE Protest
- CBS 8: Rally Against ICE Raids in San Diego
- The Guardian: LA ICE Protests
- Google Search: Immigration Protests San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
