In This Section

Overview

California Senate Bill 98 (SB 98) was signed into law on September 20, 2025, and is effective immediately. The law requires colleges and universities in California to notify their campus communities when immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus.
Touro University Worldwide is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all community members, regardless of immigration status.

This page outlines how SB 98 applies to our campus, what you can expect if immigration enforcement occurs, and what to do if you witness or are approached by immigration agents.

What Is “Immigration Enforcement”?

According to SB 98 statute, “immigration enforcement” means: “Any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”

Examples of immigration enforcement activity include:

  • The presence of federal immigration agents (e.g., ICE, DHS) on campus for civil immigration matters;
  • Attempts to question or detain an individual for immigration-related purposes.
  • Service of immigration-related warrants, subpoenas, or requests for records.

What the University Will Do

When the presence of immigration enforcement on campus has been confirmed, the university will Issue a notification to students, faculty, staff, in accordance with state and federal laws.
The timing of the notification may vary depending on circumstances and confirmation processes.

Notifications are informational only. Their purpose is to provide transparency and awareness to our community while protecting privacy and maintaining safety.

What You Should Do

If You Are a Student

  • Stay calm and avoid interfering with law-enforcement activity.
  • Verify identity: Ask for agency name, badge, and whether the agent has a judicial warrant (signed by a judge).
  • You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You do not have to answer questions or sign documents without counsel.
  • If you observe enforcement activity, you may report it to Campus Safety or the Office of Student Affairs to ensure proper university notification procedures are followed.
  • Access student support and legal resources listed below.

If You Are Faculty and Staff

If approached by immigration enforcement:

  • Request identification and ask to see a judicial warrant.
  • Do not grant access to non-public areas (offices, labs, or restricted spaces) without a judicial warrant.
  • Do not release student, employee, or personnel information without consulting the Office of General Counsel or designated compliance officer.
  • Notify your supervisor, dean, or Campus Safety if you become aware of enforcement activity on campus.
  • Maintain confidentiality and follow institutional policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the university allow immigration agents to act freely on campus?
Federal officers have limited authority under federal law. Nevertheless, according to SB 98, the university must issue a notification when enforcement presence is confirmed and continues to enforce campus access rules consistent with state law and institutional policy.

Does the notification mean there’s an ongoing threat to students or employees?
Not necessarily. The notification is informational and does not imply any direct risk or enforcement action against the broader campus community.

When will the notification be sent?
The university will send the notification after enforcement presence is confirmed, in a manner consistent with both state and federal laws. The exact timing may vary based on each situation.

Will the university disclose names or details of the individuals involved?
No. SB 98 explicitly prohibits including personally identifiable information in any campus-wide notification.

Rights and Resources

Know Your Rights

  • You may ask to see identification and a judicial warrant.
  • You have the right to remain silent and to request legal counsel.
  • You are not required to allow entry to non-public areas without a judicial warrant.
  • You are entitled to campus support and legal resources regardless of immigration status.

Campus Resources

Campus Safety hr@tuw.edu 877-868-7690
Office of Student Affairs / Dean of Students – tuw.academicaffairs@tuw.edu 877-868-7690
Office of General Counsel – compliance@touro.edu
California Office of the Attorney General: https://oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources

Commitment to Our Community

Touro university Worldwide is dedicated to ensuring access to education and employment in a safe, respectful, and lawful environment.

This webpage will be updated as new guidance becomes available from the State of California or the California Department of Justice.

Reference: Senate Bill 98, California Legislature Information