BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Several students at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) expressed discomfort after receiving an email about an upcoming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) compliance audit on campus. Kaleb Tuttle, a student, said, “I’ve been here since fall of 2024. This is my first time hearing about this. I don’t think this is a routine.”
California State University, Bakersfield (KBAK/KBFX)
The university clarified that the DHS visit was not for immigration enforcement but to check on two programs involving international students. The DHS representative was scheduled to visit the International Student Office at 9 a.m. and the Extended Education and Global Outreach at 11 a.m. However, no DHS personnel or unusual activity was observed during these times.
California State University, Bakersfield (KBAK/KBFX)
AnneMarie, a student who came to protest, said, “I mainly felt worried, not for myself, but for people that I do know, who should be able to come here and get an education and feel safe.” Another student, Xiriana Siripane, shared her unease, stating, “It made me feel uncomfortable because my parents were preparing to respond to them.”
Associated Students Inc. (ASI) issued a statement expressing sympathy for any distress caused by the email and reassured students that the DHS visit was a routine administrative matter. They noted that other Cal State campuses had experienced similar visits without issues.
Gabby Figueroa, another student, commented, “It’s odd to see not a lot of people here, but I do understand why they don’t want to be here.”
California State University, Bakersfield (KBAK/KBFX)
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According to CSUB, the email was sent out in compliance with the California Safe Act, which requires schools to let them know when federal agencies are expected on campus.