Rutgers Students Push for Stronger Immigration Protections as ICE Activity Near Campus Sparks Debate
Students want Rutgers University to implement “sanctuary campus” provisions in response to immigration enforcement near campus. Students, teachers, and staff are concerned about safety and legal boundaries after federal immigration authorities detained people near the institution in New Brunswick.
According to local news footage, at least five people were arrested near the New Brunswick university campus this month. The arrests occurred steps from university grounds, causing alarm among students, especially immigrants.
Rutgers’ Young Democratic Socialists of America protested in New Brunswick on Feb. 11 during the Board of Governors’ meeting in Camden. The demonstration drew over 25 people, including teachers. Protesters demanded that university authorities oppose federal immigration enforcement on campus.
Students initiated an online petition to the Rutgers Board of Governors. Over 3,000 people signed the petition. It advises the university to oppose federal immigration cooperation if people are targeted “unjustly.” Protecting diversity, equity, inclusion, accessible programs, and free expression is also in the petition.
Student groups say federal officers near campus cause anxiety and uncertainty. One student activist called federal immigration enforcement aggressive and worried that campuses should not feel monitored.
According to university administrators, the matter is more complicated. Rutgers has its own police department, but it follows the same laws as other New Jersey organizations. That implies they must follow the 2018 state Immigrant Trust Directive. This directive restricts local police involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement. Local police cannot participate in immigration raids or halt people purely for immigration status. However, the instruction states that law enforcement must follow federal law, including criminal law.
Immigration enforcement on state land has also increased in New Jersey. Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed EO12 this month. Immigration officials need a warrant to enter state-run facilities’ non-public parts. Residential medical centers, child care centers, and government offices are safeguarded. Federal officials must have a judicial warrant to penetrate restricted state property, according to the executive directive.
Rutgers officials said “sanctuary campus,” “sanctuary city,” and “sanctuary state” have no legal definition. Rutgers representatives say federal authorities, including immigration agents, can visit campus. However, the university demands due process. Before accessing protected documents or non-public areas, a judicial warrant is required.
Community members should notify Rutgers police immediately if federal agents appear on campus. Administrators stress that constitutional and privacy laws must be respected in enforcement.
The Rutgers debate reflects a national trend. Other New Jersey and national students have highlighted worries about immigration enforcement near schools. A business school engagement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel prompted Rowan University student protests. Students claimed that immigration authorities foster an environment of fear that undermines higher education.
Student groups at the University of North Florida have urged administrators to prevent federal officers detaining undocumented people without a warrant. University of Cincinnati student petitioners protested aggressive federal methods.
Not just students support stricter protections at Rutgers. The Union of Rutgers Administrators-American Federation of Teachers called on university management to examine all legal options to avoid working with immigration authorities. In January, the union requested for non-public “zones of safety” for students, staff, and professors during immigration enforcement. Union members also urged management to reiterate the university’s commitment to student and employee privacy.
Law experts say universities must reconcile competing commitments. Safe and inclusive learning environments are their goal. However, federal and state regulations limit their ability to impede federal enforcement.
For yet, Rutgers leadership has not declared the campus a sanctuary. Instead, officials said they will obey state and federal law while guaranteeing due process in campus enforcement.
Student activism, state policy, and federal power continue to clash at Rutgers while immigration enforcement remains a national concern. Many adolescents use the debate to express concerns about family and classmates. University administrators must enforce the law and preserve trust in a diverse academic community.
Students will undoubtedly want clearer protections and university authorities will navigate a complex legal situation in the coming weeks.
Sources
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
New Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive (Office of the Attorney General of New Jersey)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Rutgers University Official Statements
