Know Your Rights: Rights, Regulations & Resources for Students
Modesto Junior College and
Yosemite Community College District leaders will continue to advocate at all levels of government for the rights of our
diverse student population to obtain a quality education.
You have constitutional rights
- DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
- DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you.
You have the right to remain silent.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak
with a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they
say yes, leave calmly.
- Read this statement to the agent:
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents
based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. I do not give
you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United
States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate
with my name on it that you slide under the door. I do not give you permission to
search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights. I choose to exercise
my constitutional rights.
Small printed cards with the above information are available at service areas on both
MJC campuses. These cards can be kept with you for quick reference or can be handed
to the agent.
Resources for Undocumented Students
Visit the Resource Guide for Undocumented Students for helpful videos, campus resources and community organizations that can provide
a variety of support services including free immigration legal services, assistance
understanding your basic rights, and more.
Public Space versus Private Space
As a community college, areas of Modesto Junior College are considered public spaces.
However spaces have designations, as defined below, to ensure that peace and order
can be maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can student information be released to law enforcement officials?
Will Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) Campus Safety enforce federal immigration
laws?
- No. YCCD Campus Safety personnel do not have access to student immigration status.
- YCCD Campus Safety will:
- Not enter into agreements with law enforcement agencies or federal departments for
the enforcement of federal immigration law.
- Not honor immigration hold requests
- Not contact, detain, or question individuals solely on the basis of declared or suspected
immigration status.
Since MJC is an open campus, can law enforcement officials access all areas of campus
without permission?
No. YCCD
BP 3501/
AP 3501-Campus Security and Access states that classrooms and other instructional areas are
limited to students and employees of the college and staff areas are accessible to
assigned employees and by invitation to others for college business. Exigent circumstances,
warrant verification, and/or subpoenas are required for access.
Are there different rules for international students?
No. Campus policies also pertain to international students.
