LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The College of Southern Nevada is hosting two upcoming career fairs. But there's now controversy and concern being expressed by some students and staff on campus.
A longtime participant, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is set to come back to the two campuses for the events to recruit any possible job prospects.
WATCH| Mary Kielar talks to CSN students about U.S. Customs and Border Protection recruiting at career fair
Although it is not the same agency as ICE, it is a part of the Department of Homeland Security.
With immigration enforcement dominating the conversation nationwide, many students are feeling uneasy.
The college president shared a statement with the campus community confirming they are aware of student and staff concern, but will ultimately go forward with CBP participating in the fairs.
"I feel like this is not the right moment to invite them," said student Iltze Pimienta. She added, "speaking out and saying we don't feel safe and still going ahead and letting border patrol come to our events is like they're not hearing our voice."
Another student who did not want to be identified said, "It seems as though our voices are not being taken seriously."
Dr. Juan Avalos is the Vice President of Student Affairs at CSN, and told Channel 13 he's been fielding questions and concerns from both students and staff on this.
He said, "About a week ago, we began to get some questions, like, 'Is ICE coming?'" Dr. Avalos added, "Most of our energy was focused on information sharing and providing some clarification" after that.
But he wanted to share that the college has been in touch with CBP, and said "they're understanding of the concerns." Dr. Avalos continued, "They're not coming to do raids, they're not coming to stop people, they're not coming to ask questions."
Still, students told Channel 13 they are not comfortable going to either of the career fairs with CBP scheduled to come.
Benjamin Clayton, a student government member at CSN, said, "I do think that the career fair should take a deeper look into that, especially taking into consideration the political climate that we're in now."
There will be two information sessions next week on this topic: one for students and another for staff and faculty.
