College of Lake County students apprehended by Border Patrol at the corner of 34 N. Sheridan and Madison Street at the CLC Lakeshore Campus Monday morning, said CLC President Lori Suddick.

The student’s name has not been announced.

CLC Lakeshore Campus Dean Jesus Ruiz, said the campus was holding an event called “Conchas with the Dean” when a teacher walked by and made him aware of the Border Patrol agents patrolling around the college.

Ruiz  walked down to interact with border patrol agents. They had a short and “polite” conversation, then got into their vehicles to drive away.

“As they were leaving, our student walked out and that’s when they intercepted him,“ Ruiz said.

The Border Patrol agents asked for the student’s identification. The students complied with their request; however, the border patrol agents didn’t see it as valid and took him away.

Ruiz said the agents did not provide any motive for the stop “he was just exiting the building.”

As the agents were detaining the student, Ruiz recorded the incident and obtained the student’s name to ensure the family was notified and could receive appropriate support. The family was later connected with Congressman Brad Schneider’s office and is now actively working with them.

After the incident, one lakeshore staff member said student and staff members gathered together on the second floor where the “Conchas with the dean” event was happening. Students and staff shared their stories similar to what happened and expressed fear of walking out to their cars. 

“It was pretty dreary the rest of the day,” said the staff member

Since the incident happened outside of the building and on public property, the college was unable to intervene. Border patrol agents do not have access to the building.

“As a college our priority is the safety of our students,” Ruiz said. “There are steps we are taking to make sure we are coordinated in supporting their wellbeing.”

Faculty are being asked to support students who are afraid to attend classes in person by providing remote access to their courses.

Ruiz said the college is monitoring the campus area in coordination with the city of Waukegan.