Sonoma State University

Immigration Guidance and Campus Support Resources

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 11:04am

TO: Campus Community
FR: Dr. Gerald L. Jones, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students


Dear Seawolves,

At Sonoma State University, we believe every member of our community deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. Our undocumented, immigrant, and mixed-status students, staff, and families are an essential part of who we are.

We continue to partner with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) to provide free immigration legal services, and we have hosted campus-wide Know Your Rights trainings to ensure our community feels informed and empowered. The opening of our new DREAM Center reflects our commitment to creating a visible, welcoming space where students can find connection, resources, and care.

We remain committed to upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of everyone in our community. This message outlines important information about immigration-related matters and identifies campus contacts who are available to offer guidance and support.

If approached by someone identifying as a federal immigration official, please follow these campus protocols:

  1. Notify: Immediately contact Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Senior Diversity Officer at (707) 664-2316 or [email protected] if an immigration-related warrant is being served.
  2. Wait: The individual should remain on site until the Director arrives. If the warrant concerns someone present, stay with them and call the SSU Police Department at (707) 664-4444 for assistance. Please note that the police department’s role is to keep the peace and might not be able to stop an arrest from taking place. Under state law, state agencies may not voluntarily admit immigration agents into non-public areas of a workplace. State law prohibits the use of University Police Resources for immigration enforcement activities or information gathering.
  3. Witness / Document: If it is safe to do so, observe the interaction. Send a summary, including officer credentials and any campus staff involved, to [email protected]

Do Not:

  • Accept any warrant, court order, or legal documents from immigration officers.
  • Disclose or discuss personal information about any member of the campus community.
  • Engage in physical confrontation or attempt to physically interfere.

We strongly encourage everyone to rely on official campus communications for accurate and timely information. Please refrain from sharing unverified reports, as they may create unnecessary confusion or fear.

In-Person CHIRLA Free Legal Immigration Services
The DREAM Center, in partnership with CHIRLA, provides free legal consultations on DACA renewals, citizenship, status adjustments, advance parole, SIJS, U-visas, and more. Services are open to SSU students, staff, faculty, alumni (within two years of graduation), and their immediate family members.

Resources and Support

Mental Health and Emergency Support Services

  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): (707) 664-2153
  • Confidential Advocate: (707) 664-2698
  • Employee Assistance Program (LifeMatters by Empathia): 1-800-367-7474
  • SSU Police Department (24/7): 911 or (707) 664-4444
  • Rapid Response Network 24 Hour Hotline: 707-800-4544

For additional information on legal services, events, and support, please visit the SSU DREAM Center website or contact Biaca Delgado, Senior Coordinator of Strategic Programs at [email protected].