By Editor’s note: The sources named in the story have confirmed that they are okay with having their names and identities made public.
Studio art major Valeria Gomez fears being on campus—not because of crime, but because the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement could show up at any moment.
The fear of losing her father to deportation nearly kept her from returning to campus, threatening not just her education but the future she was fighting for.
Born and raised in California, Gomez grew up feeling safe and with an ordinary family. Beneath that quiet comfort was her father’s history, one she had not yet fully understood.
She was only 10 years old and was eavesdropping on her family’s conversation. She had not meant to uncover a secret, but in that moment, she learned the truth. Her father was undocumented.
“What’s a green card,” Gomez had asked.
Long Beach State studio art major Valeria Gomez flips through her book full of photos of her family. Multiple photos show her celebrating her birthday when she was little or group photos with her family. Photo credit: Samuel Chacko
Her father, Luis Gomez, was 19 years old when he made the treacherous journey across the border. He was charged $300 to be guided into the United States and crammed into a pickup truck trunk with others, hidden under a piece of plywood for hours during the trip from Tijuana.
For over 30 years, he has lived in the United States without legal documents.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Now we’re screwed,’” Gomez’s father had said when Trump was reelected. “But at the same time, always with the hope that I can eventually legalize.”
Their immigration lawyer, Deborah Botello, estimated it would take him 10 years to get his papers processed, and by then he would be 60.
Despite the exhausting process and constant uncertainty, Gomez and her family hold onto hope that one day they can step outside without fear of immigration officers.
Returning to Mexico does not scare him, but like many undocumented immigrants, he fears what awaits—no home, no job and for some, a painful separation from family.
Deportation is not just leaving. It’s losing everything.
Gomez is not alone in her fears. Many others share the weight of uncertainty in their daily lives.
Some students on campus have been carrying their passports, anxiously anticipating the possibility of being racially profiled in an encounter with ICE. Others worry about the implications of bringing their parents to graduation ceremonies.
Gomez’s father constantly checks news reports, social media updates, but most importantly, he trusts friends and family to stay informed about the looming threat of ICE raids.
When they hear ICE has been at a certain location, like one of their favorite Hispanic markets, he said he simply stops going there until some time goes by.
Gomez once found joy in family trips to downtown Los Angeles as the trips were her favorite time with him. Now, those cherished memories are cut short by fears of increased ICE presence.
The fear extends beyond Gomez’s family, creating constant worry about sudden raids. The joy of community and connection fades as they try to live their lives under this threat.
“I just want these four years to be over,” Gomez said.
According to University Police Department’s Chief of Police John Brockie, ICE has not been on campus, but UPD is monitoring social media closely. The department keeps in contact with ICE to confirm any possibility of the agency being on campus.
As a courtesy, all law enforcement agencies should let UPD know if they plan to come to campus, however, Brockie cannot assure whether ICE will continue to follow through with that courtesy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We don’t support them at all. If we respond, it’s to keep the peace. It’s either that they’re going too far, or if there’s a warrant, we may be confirming that it’s a valid warrant,” Brockie said.
With a valid warrant and belief that a person is in a certain room, ICE could force entry.
While there is not much else the UPD can do, Brockie said the police department does not share student information or directions with ICE.
He also met with Dream Success Center Director Norma Salcedo to discuss university resources and free legal assistance, which are now available online.
