Montclair And ICE: School District, Town Officials Share Guidance

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The impact of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is echoing in Montclair, where town and school officials have issued statements about the wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids taking place across the nation.

As part of his campaign platform, Trump vowed to immediately launch a nationwide deportation campaign. His administration didn’t waste any time making its first moves. On his first day in office, the White House announced a sweeping wave of presidential actions and executive orders, including several involving immigration.

“Over the last four years, the United States has endured a large-scale invasion at an unprecedented level,” Trump wrote. “Millions of illegal aliens from nations and regions all around the world successfully entered the United States where they are now residing.”

“This cannot stand,” the president continued.

The Trump Administration has pointed its finger at “sanctuary cities,” saying that local officials may face prosecution if they refuse to cooperate with federal agencies. Several municipalities in New Jersey have declared sanctuary status.

Montclair hasn't taken that specific step, but passed similar legislation when Trump took office for his first term in 2017. That year, the Montclair Town Council approved a resolution that reaffirms Montclair’s continuing commitment to equal, respectful and dignified treatment of all people regardless of their immigration status and to remaining an open and welcoming community.” Read More: Montclair Adopts ‘Welcoming Community’ Resolution To Protect Immigrants

A recent ICE raid in Newark, has ramped up anxiety levels across Essex County – including Montclair.

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• See Related: NJ Senator Cautions Against ‘False Hope’ Amid ICE Crackdowns

MONTCLAIR SCHOOLS

New Jersey education officials have released new guidance for schools about ICE raids after the Trump administration announced that it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals – ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011.

In the new guidance, New Jersey education officials advise 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

The Montclair Public School District issued the following email to community members on Jan. 24:

“The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) mandates that all local school boards enroll students regardless of immigration status in line with Federal and State Regulations. In connection with growing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, Montclair Public Schools reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and privacy of all students and families. Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper, central office administrators, and building principals, participated in a ‘Know Your Rights: Immigration in Education’ workshop on January 15, 2025, at the Wally Choice Center. This event highlighted critical resources and strategies to support our community. Additionally, an informational session was held this week for all district administrators and supervisors. Moving forward, the district will offer training for all employees to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to support students and families during challenging situations. This includes working closely with community partners to provide essential resources and training, and continued collaboration with the Montclair Police Department to prioritize student safety, privacy, and overall well-being.”

Some key guidelines relevant to Montclair parents and students include:

Immigration Enforcement Restrictions – “Immigration agents are not allowed to enter school property, including transportation routes, without a judicially-issued warrant or a recognized exception to a warrant. To be legitimate, search or arrest warrants must be signed by a judge and have the correct date and location. An administrative immigration warrant (Form I-200) is not sufficient for agents to gain access to school buildings absent of exigent circumstances.”

Student Privacy Protections – “Montclair Public Schools does not collect or store any information related to students' immigration status, ensuring their privacy and security. Additionally, all Montclair Public School student records, regardless of immigration status, are protected under both the Family Education Right and Privacy Act as well as New Jersey State Regulation N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7.6.”

“We will not stand for any threats to the safety or dignity of our students,” Superintendent Cooper said.

“Every student in Montclair, regardless of immigration status, deserves to feel safe and supported in our schools,” Cooper continued. “As an educator, my mission has always been to advocate for all students, and I will ensure that their rights and privacy are protected. Our schools are safe spaces where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear or discrimination.”

“Montclair Public Schools remains resolute in its promise to protect students, regardless of their immigration status,” Cooper added.

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANTS

Meanwhile, the following message was posted to the township website on Jan. 30:

“The mayor and council of Montclair, along with the township manager, would like to make clear that all persons in Montclair – including immigrants that reside or work in, or visit the township – are all equally valued and have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity.”

“We have compiled a list of resources to help residents, students, families, and business owners understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with immigration enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP),” the post continues, sharing the following links:

• New Jersey Department of Human Services: Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Rights (Also available in Spanish here)
• ACLU-NJ: What to do If Approached by immigration Officials in NJ (Also available in Spanish)
• NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice - Know Your Rights with ICE and Police in Public (clickable in slideshow in English and Spanish)
• NJ Attorney General: Immigrants' Rights
• Make the Road NJ: Know Your Rights / Conoce Tus Derechos (Wallet Cards and Fact Sheets available to download and print)

Information for Immigrant Students, Families, and Educators

• New Jersey Department of Education: School-Related State and Federal Requirements Pertaining to Immigrant Students and Families

Information for Businesses

• New Jersey Department of Human Services: Know Your Rights: Organizations and Businesses (Also available in Spanish).

• NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice: Know your Rights with Ice and Police at Work (clickable slideshow in English and Spanish)

• National Immigration Law Center: What To Do if Immigration Comes To Your Workplace (Spanish translation available)

Other Resources:

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center

• NJ Attorney General’s Office: Immigrant Trust Directive

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