Written for The Argo by Gabriela Marroquin.

On January 12, the New Jersey Senate and Assembly passed the “Safe Communities
Act“. This act, if signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, would require the Attorney General
to develop policies governing how federal civil law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), interact with locations such as health care facilities, food pantries, and public schools.

While it is unclear how this act—if signed into law—would affect Stockton University, it
reflects the reality of life within the Garden State. ICE activity and raids in New Jersey are being
reported every day in counties across the state. As the spring semester begins to bloom, it is
important to be aware of and understand an individual’s rights as a member of the Stockton
Community.

Stockton University is a public institution, meaning that ICE agents are allowed to enter
public locations anywhere on campus. This does not include, however, residence halls,
employee offices, rooms marked as “private” or “staff only,” and classrooms with a class
currently in session. ICE agents cannot enter private spaces without a valid warrant.

If agents are seen on campus, Stockton University advises calling the Stockton University
Police Department immediately, as they should always be the first point of contact. The number for campus police is 609-652-4390 and can also be found on the back of Stockton students IDs.

Warrants should only be presented to the SUPD. If an encounter with ICE is inevitable, you have the right to not answer any of their questions, remain silent, and ask for a lawyer. Always reach out to
SUPD.

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Stockton University will
not release any information that is sensitive to a student to anyone unless ordered by law. Stockton
University also does not track whether a student is documented. For undocumented and DACA
students, the Office of General Counsel is the primary contact point for anything related to
educational situation concerns.

In the Fall 2024 semester, it was reported that 20.6% of the undergraduate student
population was of Hispanic ethnicity. As a member of the Stockton University community, it is
imperative to make sure that all students are afforded the opportunity to a safe learning
environment free of the stresses of the outside world.

For off-campus and Atlantic County community affairs, ICE activity can be reported to El
Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City.

For more information regarding your rights as a Stockton community member, please
read Stockton University’s official immigration resources and support here.