The arrival of agents with the Department of Homeland Security on campus and subsequent social media posts caused confusion on Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday, cancelling classes.
The DHS agent with the K9 appeared Wednesday morning near a road associated with the Yorubaline Double Bird and North Orange County campus. The word of agent presence spread as federal agencies actively implemented the Trump administration’s immigration policy through social media posts, and some professors canceled classes.
“I know it caused fear,” student Logan Layton said. “I’ve seen a lot online. Both school reposts and students. I also know that many teachers have cancelled their classes due to the incident.”
In a news release issued later Wednesday, the university’s police department said the agents and dogs are part of the DHS explosive detection K9 team. The dogs and handlers were on campus for routine training, not “to conduct behavior or investigations.” DHS explosive detection teams, including specially trained dogs that can detect potential threats, search for a variety of explosive materials, and often assist federal, state and local law enforcement partners.
The statement went on to say that California State Fullerton has established contact details specifically related to immigration issues through its office of risk management and compliance.
“We encourage you to contact this office to verify the information before taking any action based solely on social media posts,” the statement continued.
It was not immediately clear how many classes were cancelled at Cal State Fullerton this week. The decision was made by individual staff.
The general campus remains open.
“It’s kind of obscure and stays with everything that’s going on,” student Mia Kingcade said. “I wouldn’t think I’m safe as a student.
“I’m worried about other students.”
Four more student visas were revoked last week at Cal State Fullerton. This brings at least eight students who have revoked their visas on campus, according to the Daily Titan.
I have seen people with ties to American universities being revoked or stopped entering the United States after being accused of attending demonstrations and publicly expressing support for Palestinians. Two more famous cases include a Turkish Boss University student detained by immigration authorities of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Louisiana and Columbia University.
