If ICE Comes To Bridgewater-Raritan Schools: District Shares Protocols

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — With more reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting "operations" in New Jersey, the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District released a letter sharing its protocols related to immigrant students and families.

Bridgewater-Raritan's protocols mirror those set down by the New Jersey Department of Education:

If an immigration agent seeks to or enters school grounds in an official capacity, the administration will immediately contact Robert Beers, Superintendent of Schools, and the District Security Coordinator.

• The principal will obtain information from the agent regarding their credentials, the purpose of the access request, and any documentation that authorizes school access.
• The principal will inform the agent that, absent exigent circumstances, school personnel must first receive direction from the Chief School Administrator. An administrative immigration warrant is not sufficient to require admittance. For example, an ICE Warrant for Arrest of Alien (Form I-200) is a warrant often used by immigration officers but is not a judicially issued warrant.
• The Superintendent of Schools will consult with district legal counsel to assess the documentation and determine the appropriate next steps.
• If the immigration agent declares the existence of an exigent circumstance and demands immediate access, comply with the request and immediately notify the Chief School Administrator.

Schools are not required to, and the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District will not provide information about students' attendance or locations or make students available on the spot without the opportunity to consult with the Chief School Administrator and district legal counsel.

For additional information, click on the Guidance About Immigrant Students and Families.

The Trump administration announced last week it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals, ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011.

Last Wednesday, new guidance was released by New Jersey education officials advising schools to do their best to protect their immigrant students, while also adhering to state and federal law. Read More: If ICE Comes To School: NJ Issues Guidelines For Educators, Staff

On Monday, Asbury Park Police confirmed that ICE agents have "conducted operations" in that city, however, police declined to say when operations were done, or if anyone was taken into ICE custody. Read More: ICE Agents 'Conducted Operations' In Asbury Park, Neptune Township

In neighboring Neptune Township, police and multiple eyewitnesses confirmed ICE agents did raids in that town on Friday afternoon, TAP Into reported.

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