Anti-Trump Protest At Rutgers This Afternoon; Expect Traffic Problems

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — As anti-Trump protests make their way to Rutgers, drivers should expect delays and detours.

Student activists have scheduled a 3 p.m. walk-out from classes, with a meeting spot in front of Voorhees Mall. At 4 p.m., protesters are expected to march, but their route is unclear.

Six-hundred thirty-five students RSVP'ed to a Facebook event, and another 925 said they were interested. A university spokesperson said it was unclear how many were expected to attend, calling the protest a "student-driven event."

Police sent out an alert warning drivers that a "large number of attendees" is expected and delays and/or detours are possible. The first streets to be affected might be College Avenue and Hamilton Street, where Voorhees Mall is located.

Drivers should plan alternate routes if possible or be prepared to follow detours.

The protest is being billed as part of an 80-university movement, including Rutgers-Newark, to establish "sanctuary campuses" where undocumented immigrants can study without the fear of deportation.

On Tuesday, Rutgers University President Robert Barchi announced in a letter that Rutgers would not ask for or disclose a student's immigration status unless a serious crime has been committed or the university is requited by court order.

Student protesters at Rutgers University New Brunswick. Part of an anti-Trump rally. Trump supporters here 2. pic.twitter.com/VglTQ0oWSZ
— Anthony Johnson (@AJohnsonwabc7) November 16, 2016

Image: Signs at an anti-Trump protest in New York City, by Katie Kausch for Patch