EMMA PIRHALA / NEWS EDITOR

As students returned to campus for the start of the semester, fears regarding the future of immigrant and international students on campus raised concerns across the University. Trump’s new immigration directives divide the country, but are uniquely impacting USD as a Catholic institution positioned on the border. In San Diego, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have noticeably increased their operations.  ICE reported that in the final six days of January, 5,943 people were arrested. This has resulted in backlash, with protests erupting against the increase of enforcement activities. 

The surge in immigration enforcement activities followed a slew of executive orders issued by Trump during his first days in office. Amongst these new directives are two orders directly focusing on immigration. Trump granted ICE the ability to enter sensitive areas, such as churches and schools, which were previously protected.  Additionally, an order opposed birthright citizenship — a constitutional right since the nineteenth century. These new policies emphasize Trump’s support of mass deportation, border control and stricter immigration laws. The president reinforced his endorsement of such policies during his inaugural address. 

However, these orders have not been immune from bipartisan backlash and judicial criticism. Since the executive orders were signed and enacted, six lawsuits have been filed, including a preliminary injunction which temporarily prevents action from being taken while the court is in order. Yet, until further review, Trump’s policies remain in place and are affecting cities across the country. These orders uniquely impact sanctuary cities, like San Diego, which may refuse to cooperate with federal immigration orders. 

As an institution with connections  across  international borders, the University of San Diego has voiced support for immigrants and international students who may be affected by these new policies. In an email sent to students, faculty and staff on Jan. 30, President Harris explained the political climate’s impact on the University.

“As a contemporary Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts and anchored on an international border, we are closely monitoring changes to policies at the Federal level and are working with elected officials and national organizations to understand any impacts on our community,” Harris wrote. “The situation remains fluid and may change from day-to-day, but we are committed to supporting our mission of teaching and research and will do everything we can to advocate for the funding and support that our scholars, students and families rely on.”

The email continued to provide resources for community members regarding the protocols that students and employees should follow if approached by immigration enforcement agencies. In a comment to The USD Vista, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety James Miyashiro elaborated on the protocols in place. 

“If approached by an immigration officer, students should refer the officer to [the Department of Public Safety (DPS)] for verification of any legal mandates,” Miyashiro explained. “A ‘valid legal mandate’ includes judicial warrants, court orders, or subpoenas issued by a court of law. DPS will not assist in enforcement activities without such  orders  to  ensure compliance with legal standards and to protect the privacy and rights of students and employees.”

Furthermore, the University has stood firmly in support of the California Catholic Conference, an association of Catholic bishops, and their stance on Trump’s immigration laws. Vice President of Mission Integration, Dr. Michael Lovette-Colyer, clarified the University’s affirmation of Catholic social teachings in a statement to The USD Vista. 

“As the Bishops of California stated in December, recognizing, promoting and protecting the dignity of every human being is essential to us a Catholic university,” Lovette-Colyer stated. “At USD, we take very seriously our location on the border with Mexico and our responsibility to serve as an anchor institution, deeply rooted in our communities. We support our colleagues and neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us, and our mission calls us to help create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.”  

USD community members are  encouraged to seek assistance from on-campus resources, such as the Counseling Center, DPS, the International Center and University Ministry. As the political climate continues to change, Toreros remain wary of the impact on the USD community and in the United States. 

Protesters in San Diego voice their opposition to Trump’s executive orders creating stricter immigration laws. Photo courtesy of @ajplus/X