ACE Members,
President’s Message
We began crafting this guidance prior to events this past weekend, after De Anza had become a target on social media. As a member of the California Community College system our workplace remains committed to providing services to DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants. In the event of immigration enforcement activity on campus it’s important to be aware of limits to ACE’s representation, which our attorney has clarified in italics below.
The following message is snippet of information to consider as we organize actions we choose to take as an employee group. Please join an upcoming site meeting and/or contact a representative directly. We can assemble resources, organize efforts outside the workplace, and answer questions.
This email serves as an important reminder about your role and legal responsibilities as a classified employee at Foothill DeAnza Community College District, should federal immigration enforcement (ICE) activity occur on your campus.
ACE is deeply committed to protecting the rights and working conditions of its members. At the same time, the union and its staff are not authorized to intervene in law enforcement actions or immigration matters. For your own safety and protection, classified staff should not engage directly with ICE operations, interfere with enforcement activities, or attempt to assist students or others during such incidents.
We share this guidance out of care and concern, as these situations can carry serious legal and personal risks, including potential discipline or arrest, that are beyond the union’s ability to address or defend.
If an ICE presence occurs, the appropriate course of action is to:
1. Follow all college and district protocols.
2. Immediately notify your supervisor,
3. Avoid any direct involvement or confrontation.
ACE’s responsibility is to advocate for and represent its members in employment-related matters. ACE cannot provide legal protection for actions taken outside the scope of your job duties or beyond established campus procedures.
ACE is here to support you and to help ensure you are protected at work. While there are limits to our role when it comes to arrest or criminal matters, you are not alone. If you have any concerns about campus safety or a possible immigration enforcement encounter, please reach out to an ACE representative so we can talk through next steps together before you take any action on your own.
—
Anthony G. Booth
Attorney
In Service,
Scott Olsen (he/him) | ACE President
https://acefhda.org | scott.olsen@acefhda.org
650-949-7789 | M-F 8:30am-5:00pm