A person was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement near San Diego City College on Tuesday, and school officials said that at one point, agents tried to pursue another person onto campus.
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The incident took place around 9:30 a.m., when federal agents in unmarked vehicles stopped a vehicle at 16th and C streets. The driver was arrested, while the passenger, whom school officials identified as a San Diego City College student, fled the area.
According to a statement by the San Diego Community College District, the agents pursued the passenger onto campus but stopped apparently when they realized they were entering the property; the agents then returned to their vehicles and left.
“At this time, we believe the driver arrested by ICE is a City College student. We are providing support to the passenger,” district officials said. “Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, no additional details will be shared about the impacted individuals.”
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the arrested individual is from Haiti. The federal agency claimed he is not a student and said he was not arrested on a campus.
“During his arrest he attempted to flee to a college campus, but officers prevented it,” the spokesperson said.
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The official said the person illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 through El Paso, Texas, and “was released into the country by the Biden administration.”
“All of his claims will be heard by an immigration judge and he will receive due process,” the spokesperson said. “This administration will not ignore the rule of law.”
DHS did not address the second person agents were seeking.
Neither the college district police nor any school representatives interacted with the agents, school officials said. The campus remained open during the incident.
“San Diego City College, the San Diego Community College District, and SDCCD College Police do not participate in, assist with, or coordinate ICE enforcement activities,” school officials said.
“This intrusion by law enforcement is both disruptive, unwelcome, and in conflict with the SDCCD’s core values. City College and the SDCCD are reaching out with counseling and legal services to support students and employees who were affected by this activity. The safety and wellbeing of students and employees will always be the district’s highest priority, and we remain committed to maintaining access to all members of our community.”
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