Immigration Enforcement Related Campus Concerns FAQ

This FAQ summarizes guidance shared with students, faculty, and staff regarding immigration-enforcement related concerns and University procedures.

  • Why is the University sharing this information?

  • The University has heard concerns from students, faculty, and staff about recent federal actions related to immigration and their potential impact on our community. This information is intended to provide clarity, reassurance, and guidance.

  • What is the University’s role?

    • Supporting the health, well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff.
    • Ensuring that federal immigration-enforcement actions on campus adhere to due process.
    • Coordinating through University Police (see role of Police further below)
    • Keeping the campus community informed of relevant policies, procedures and resources as well as major developments that might impact university operations.

  • Can federal immigration authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), be on campus?

  • Yes. Federal immigration authorities are not prevented from being present on campus.

  • What should I do if I observe or am approached by federal immigration authorities on campus?

  • You should immediately notify William Paterson University Police using the Rave Guardian app or by calling 973-720-2300.

  • What is the role of University Police in these situations?

  • University Police serve as the point of contact, verify credentials, determine the purpose of the visit, and review any judicial warrant or judicial order that may be presented. University Police are not responsible for acting on behalf of federal immigration authorities; however, they also cannot impede them if they have a valid judicial warrant or judicial order.

  • What happens if a valid judicial warrant or judicial order is presented?

  • If a valid judicial warrant or judicial order is confirmed, University Police will not interfere and will notify the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

  • What is the difference between Administrative and Judicial Warrants?

  • Administrative warrant:

    • Issued by a federal agency
    • Not signed by a judge
    • Does not authorize entry into private areas without consent

    Judicial warrant:

    • Signed by a judge
    • Based on probable cause
    • May authorize arrest, search, or entry into specified private spaces

    Note: Entry into non-public areas generally requires a judicial warrant or university authorization.

  • What policies guide the University’s response?

  • University Police policies and procedures are guided by New Jersey Attorney General Directive 2018-6, known as the Immigrant Trust Directive. University Police will serve as the point of contact, respond, and meet with the federal immigration authorities to determine their purpose on campus, verify their credentials, and ensure the necessary paperwork is in order. Upon verification of the judicial warrant or other court order, police will not have the authority to interfere.

  • What should I do if I see or am approached by ICE or other immigration enforcement officials?

  • Immediately contact University Police via the Guardian Rave Mobil app or at 973-720-2300.

    You may say:

    "I am not authorized to provide information or grant access, but I have called University Police who handle all law enforcement requests on behalf of the University."

    No further engagement is required.

  • I am a faculty member and I see an ICE agent try to enter my classroom. What do I do?

  • Immediately refer the matter to University Police via the Rave Guardian Mobile app or 973-720-2300.

    You may say:

    "I am not authorized to provide information or grant access but I have called University Police who handle all law enforcement requests on behalf of the University."

    No further engagement is required.

  • What is a public space?

  • Building lobbies, Student Center and libraries during business hours, outdoor spaces and any event open to the public.

  • What are non-public spaces on campus?

  • Non-public areas include:

    • Residence halls and student rooms
    • Faculty and staff offices
    • Administrative offices not open to visitors
    • Research labs
    • Employee-only workspaces
    • Counseling or health treatment rooms
    • Classrooms
    • Storage, records, or IT rooms

  • What should I do if federal authorities seek to question me?

  • Contact University Police immediately at 973-720-2300. Inform officers you are invoking your rights and contacting University Police.

    Do not run. Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, leave calmly. If no, remain calm and wait for University Police.

    Do not sign anything before speaking with an attorney.

  • What are my rights if federal authorities seek to question or detain me without a verified warrant?

    • You have the right to remain silent.
    • You have the right to consult with an attorney before answering questions.
    • You may refuse consent to search unless a valid judicial warrant is presented.

  • Will the University be notified in advance of ICE activities?

  • The University does not expect advance notice of enforcement activity.

  • What support resources are available to students?

  • Students may access confidential support through the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center at 973-720-2257 (24/7 counselor on call) or the Social Worker for Student Support and Resources at 973-720-2578 or bivaletzt@wpunj.edu.

  • What support resources are available to faculty/staff?

  • Faculty and staff can receive support from our third-party confidential EAP at HigherEd.eap.com or 1-800-252-4555 or contact Human Resources at humanresources@wpunj.edu.

This document is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. 

Click here to submit additional questions and comments for the FAQ