By Darine Sammour, October 13, 2026
An “ICE OUT” banner was displayed from Building 98 on Sept. 17, expressing opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Bronco Young Democratic Socialists of America said it organized the display, with its members holding the banner for two hours before pulling it down.
The banner was not attached to Building 98. Instead, students held it over the side of the building. Bronco YDSA said it chose to display the banner this way because CPP’s free speech rules do not allow students to hang banners.
Bronco YDSA said its members helped make and design the banner as part of their larger sanctuary campus campaign at CPP.
During the spring 2026 semester, Bronco YDSA organized a petition and hosted a march in front of the University Library on April 30 to deliver the letter to CPP administrators outlining the organization’s demands. The letter was addressed to Interim President Iris Levine and the Board of Trustees.
According to the letter, Bronco YDSA called on the university to refuse to collaborate with any federal border agency and acknowledge communities affected by immigration enforcement. The group also demanded immediate implementation of the SAFE ACT (SB 98), including a system to alert students, faculty, staff and other campus community members when ICE is on campus. The letter also requested alternative forms of instruction for students who feel unsafe on campus and safety protocols for ICE presence in campus facilities.
Bronco YDSA said it has not received a response from administration and plans to follow up with the new CPP president, Vanya Quiñones.
Álvaro Huerta, a professor of ethnic and women’s studies and urban and regional planning whose research includes immigration, said ICE presence can create a state of anxiety for students and people who might have undocumented status.
“Just going to the airport, or just going anywhere, even going to a court appearance if you have a traffic ticket or something you have to fix, people are just avoiding everything now,” Huerta said.
In August 2025, CPP canceled its career fair amid growing backlash and concern about inviting Customs and Border Protection.
CPP is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 55% of its students being of Hispanic origin.
Huerta said career fairs where ICE participates or is invited should be hosted virtually to protect its students. Huerta also said fellow professors should make exceptions for vulnerable students by allowing them to attend classes via Zoom.
Rachael Hill, an associate professor of history and faculty adviser to Student Initiative for Justice, a student-led organization focused on social justice, democracy and intellectual history, said she is proud of student activists at CPP. Although SIJ was not involved in the banner, it shares a focus on social justice with Bronco YDSA.
“I continue to be really impressed with CSU students,” Hill said. “I’m impressed that they can manage to stay active and stay engaged … What we want students to do is to actually practice civic engagement and apply the information they’re learning in the classroom to the world.”
Teaching credential student and Student Initiative for Justice President Richard Gonzales said he believes in the ability to use one’s rights to stand in solidarity with communities.
Gonzales said student activism can be as simple as informing others about current events or sharing information on social media.
Students seeking immigration-related resources can visit CPP’s Undocumented Student Services and Counseling and Psychological Services.
“I strongly believe that all faculty need to be in solidarity with students and protect their rights,” Huerta said. “We can’t be silent and we can’t wait for something to happen. We’re a community and if one of our students is vulnerable and attacked then we should all be there for them. An attack against one is an attack against all.”