Federal Immigration Enforcement: Guidance & FAQs

The primary focus of University Police (UPD) is to ensure the safety of members of the University community and the campus. 

UPD follows the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, which codifies the Attorney General Directive, “Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities,” which governs the interaction between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration officers, and limits the types of assistance that state and local law enforcement officers may provide to federal immigration authorities, such as ICE. A summary and the complete version of the Directive can be reviewed here.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately. 

If you are unsure of who the officers are, contact UPD anyway.

It depends on the area and the building. Buildings and areas generally open to the public (libraries, lobbies, quads, parking lots, sidewalks) are accessible to federal immigration officers. However, areas and buildings generally restricted from public access, such as dorms, clinics, labs, offices, or other areas that are exclusive to students, faculty, and staff, require a valid judicial warrant for entry. Any documentation presented will be reviewed in coordination with University Police and University Counsel.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately. 

The University cannot restrict enforcement by federal immigration officers in public spaces. However, you can ask for the officer’s credentials, and to clarify if you are being detained.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately. 

Notify the officers that you will be contacting UPD, who is responsible for communicating with law enforcement agencies, including federal immigration officers. DO NOT invite or grant entry to any building to any non-University officers. DO NOT direct non-University officers to any members of our community without first contacting UPD.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately. 

University police is the primary contact for communicating with law enforcement officers, including federal immigration officers.

In response to questions or the attempted service of a warrant or subpoena, you may say: “I am not authorized to speak on behalf of the University or accept any documents.”

Under no circumstances should you physically obstruct officers or put yourself in physical danger.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately.

This UPD number is monitored at all times. If possible, be prepared to provide the name and contact information of the person detained as well as the date, time and location of the incident. All information will be kept as confidential as possible. Reports may be submitted anonymously as well.

For more information on different scenarios, visit Encountering Law Enforcement | American Civil Liberties Union. In any of these situations, students, faculty, or staff should contact University Police immediately with the location and detailed description of the activity.

Stay calm. If you are able to, ask someone nearby to contact University Police at (973) 655-5222. For more information about your rights during an encounter with federal law enforcement visit Know Your Rights | New Jersey.

Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately.

Notify the federal or non-University officer that the University Police Department is the primary contact for communication with law enforcement and direct them to the University Police Department on the corner of Carlisle Road and College Avenue (next to the Red Hawk Parking Deck). DO NOT provide University records or access to University records.

DO NOT accept any document, such as a warrant or subpoena. All warrants or subpoena should be presented to University police. DO NOT answer any questions about whether an individual is a student or employee of the University. All communications with non-University officers, including federal immigration officers will be handled by university police.

DO NOT respond. Forward all email requests to University Police at msupolice@montclair.edu and University Counsel at generalcounsel@montclair.edu.

Employees with questions related to visas should contact: Elizabeth Gill, Director, International Employment & Immigration – gille@montclair.edu, (973)-655-2133 or 973-655-5225.

In the event of an emergency outside of business hours, please contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 and leave a detailed message with your name, contact information, and the reason for your call.

In consultation with University Police, the University leadership will determine how to communicate with the University community if immigration enforcement occurs on campus. The timing and scope of any communication will depend on the nature of the law enforcement activity, safety considerations, and whether communication could interfere with a lawful operation. Any broader campus communication would be carefully coordinated and timed appropriately, consistent with legal and operational realities.

Universities must report some data to the federal government via SEVIS for F-1 and J-1 visas. Requests for records should go to a Designated School Official (DSO) in the Office of Global Engagement and University Counsel. 

FERPA protections still apply to all other student information. We do not share student records unless required by law.

Yes, there are special rules for students on visas.

Students with questions related to F-1 and J-1 requirements should contact the Office of Global Engagement by phone (973) 655-6862 or email oge@montclair.edu. For any other visa inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Gill, Director, International Employment & Immigration – gille@montclair.edu; (973) 655-2133 or (973) 655-5225.

In the event of an emergency outside of business hours, please contact University Police at (973) 655- 5222 and leave a detailed message with your name, contact information, and the reason for your call.

On February 11, 2026, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 12, which limits federal immigration officers from entering, accessing, or using nonpublic areas of State property without a judicial warrant. The Order also prohibits federal agents from using State property as a base or staging area for immigration operations. Read the full Executive Order. While this order is being challenged by the Department of Justice, it is currently in full force and effect.

Additionally, Governor Sherill launched a new state website that residents can consult when interacting with federal agents and established a “resident reporting portal” for NJ residents to share details of their interactions with federal immigration officers.

In order to enter private property, such as a house or apartment, without the occupant’s consent, officers must have a judicial warrant (signed by a judge).

An arrest warrant signed by a judge allows entry, without consent, into the residence of the person named on the arrest warrant.

A civil or administrative warrant (not signed by a judge) requires the occupant’s consent for entry.

The University understands that the detention of a family member can be stressful and disruptive. While the University cannot intervene in law enforcement or legal proceedings or provide personal legal representation, there are resources available.

Students may contact the Dean of Students Office, 973-655-4118 or deanofstudents@montclair.edu which can help assess academic, wellness, and short-term support needs and connect students to appropriate campus and external resources.

• The Dean of Students may also provide referrals to external legal or community-based resources upon request.

Employees may contact Human Resources at askHR@montclair.edu or (973) 655-7700 or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, referrals, and guidance related to workplace flexibility or counseling services. 

• Human Resources may also provide referrals to external legal or community-based resources upon request.