Updated on Jan. 30 at 4:07 a.m.

Crawford responded to The Collegian and said he reported the unconfirmed ICE sighting in a preventative effort.

“I had a verified report with photos of what was suspected to be, and looked like, ICE across the street from campus,” Crawford said. “I erred on the side of caution in protecting my students because I would rather give them the information and be wrong than withhold the information and be right.”

Bell also responded and said the university has no further comment.

Updated on Jan. 28 at 6:04 p.m.

In response to the unconfirmed ICE reports, Terree Stevenson, dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs, sent out a campuswide email on Wednesday evening.

Stevenson, again, confirmed that if ICE were to be on campus, the university would follow the mandatory policy.

“When questions or reports arise, the university works quickly through established protocols to verify information,” Stevenson said.

She also assured students that they are not alone and have resources available on campus.

“We understand that moments like this can feel overwhelming or unsettling, especially for students and families who may already be experiencing heightened stress or uncertainty,” Stevenson said. “Please know this clearly: You are not alone, and you are supported here at Fresno State.”

Stevenson also acknowledged the fear that social media rumors can cause.

The Collegian asked Crawford for a comment regarding his false ICE sighting report, and he referred back to the university’s statement that The Collegian received.

The Collegian also asked why he reported an ICE sighting without any confirmation. He has not responded.

This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED JAN. 28 AT 4:58 P.M.

On Wednesday at 8:43 a.m., Fresno State Professor Marcus Crawford sent a Canvas announcement to his Social Work 298 class stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was across the street from campus.

The Collegian confirmed with Fresno State Public Information Officer Lisa Bell that this was not true.

“At this time, the university has not confirmed any immigration enforcement activity on or near the Fresno State campus,” Bell said in a statement to The Collegian.

Bell also assured the publication that if there were to be any ICE activity on or near campus, the university would follow the California SAFE Act and notify the campus community immediately.

The California SAFE Act requires K-12 schools, as well as higher education institutions, to notify their communities of any immigration operations on or near their campuses.

For more Fresno State resources regarding immigration services, visit this website.