Guidance on Immigration Enforcement

This document is intended as both a primer and guidance should federal immigration authorities direct enforcement efforts toward the University.

State of New Jersey – Immigrant Trust Directive: 

In 2018, the State of New Jersey issued the Immigrant Trust Directive, which provided guidance on federal immigration initiatives to all law enforcement agencies in the State of New Jersey. This directive has the full weight of law and the University is guided by it. The summary and full version of the directive can be reviewed here:

Immigration Trust Directive - Summary

Immigration Trust Directive - Full version

RUPD Guidance should federal immigration authorities come to campus:

Federal immigration authorities, inclusive of ICE, are not precluded from being on campus. 

Federal immigration authorities are precluded from directing the Rowan University Police Department (RUPD) to serve as agents in their stead. It is crucial to maintain a clear distinction between the RUPD and federal immigration authorities.

In the event of activity by federal immigration authorities on Rowan University property, RUPD should be immediately notified at 856-256-4922. 

RUPD will serve as the point of contact, respond, and meet with the federal immigration authorities to determine their purpose on campus, verify their credentials, and ensure the necessary paperwork is in order.  The University is not required to grant access for immigration officials to premises not open to the general public absent an official judicial search warrant or arrest warrant signed by a judge or exigent circumstances.  Upon verification of the judicial warrant or other court order, the University will not have the authority to interfere.

Students and personnel should never physically resist, interfere, or put themselves or others at risk.  However, they are not required to assist with the apprehension of a person identified in an ICE administrative warrant.  They may inform immigration authorities that they will need to contact RUPD before responding to any requests, including to verify documents presented by immigration authorities.

 Federal immigration authorities enforcing a valid judicial warrant or other court order on University property will result in notification to Rowan University leadership through the Office of General Counsel. RUPD will make notification to the appropriate County Prosecutor’s Office. 

The RUPD maintains and is trained on policies and procedures that are in accordance with New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2018-6, known as the Immigrant Trust Directive.

Additional resources:

Legal Resources: 

https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njnewamericans/programs/legal/

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

Rowan Resources:

Addressing federal policy changes affecting our community

Know Your Rights