{"id":421,"date":"2026-04-30T09:32:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T13:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/dean-of-students\/?page_id=421"},"modified":"2026-04-30T09:33:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T13:33:11","slug":"federal-immigration-enforcement-guidance-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/dean-of-students\/federal-immigration-enforcement-guidance-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Immigration Enforcement: Guidance & FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Modified: Thursday, April 30, 2026 9:33 am<\/em><\/p>\n

Montclair State University is a public-serving institution committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus for all members of our community, including international and immigrant students and staff. We recognize that shifts in immigration policy can create uncertainty regarding education, employment opportunities, and daily life. Montclair is dedicated to ensuring that students and staff have access to the information, resources, and support needed to pursue their endeavors at the University with confidence.<\/p>\n

If you observe federal immigration officers on either campus, please contact the University Police Department (UPD) immediately at (973) 655-5222.<\/p>\n

On Campus FAQs<\/h2>\n
Does University Police work with federal immigration officers?<\/div>
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The primary focus of University Police is to ensure the safety of members of the University community and the campus. The University Police Department follows the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, which codifies the Attorney General Directive, \u201cStrengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if I observe federal immigration officers on campus?<\/div>
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Contact University Police at (973) 655-5222 immediately. If you are unsure of who the officers are, contact UPD anyway.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Can federal immigration officers access campus or University buildings?<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What if federal immigration officers approach students or staff in public spaces on campus?<\/div>
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Contact UPD 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if I am approached or contacted by federal immigration officers or any officers that I am unable to identify as University police officers?<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if federal immigration officers try to access University housing or other non-public areas?<\/div>
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Contact University Police immediately (973) 655-5222. University police is the primary contact for communicating with law enforcement officers, including federal immigration officers.<\/p>\n

In response to questions or the attempted service of a warrant or subpoena, you may say: \u201cI am not authorized to speak on behalf of the University or accept any documents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Under no circumstances should you physically obstruct officers or put yourself in physical danger.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if I observe a student or employee being detained by federal law enforcement officers or non-university officers?<\/div>
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Contact the University police at (973) 655-5222. 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.<\/p>\n

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

What should I do if I am being questioned or detained by federal law enforcement officers or non-university officers?<\/div>
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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<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if a federal immigration officer or non-University officer asks for University records or access to University records?<\/div>
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Contact University police at (973) 655-5222. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What should I do if I receive an email request for University records or access to University records?<\/div>
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DO NOT respond. Forward all email requests to University Police at msupolice@montclair.edu<\/a> and University Counsel at generalcounsel@montclair.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Are there special rules for employees on visas?<\/div>
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Employees with questions related to visas should contact: Elizabeth Gill, Director, International Employment & Immigration – gille@montclair.edu<\/a>, (973)-655-2133 or 973-655-5225.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Will the University notify the community if immigration enforcement occurs on campus?<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

How does the University protect my personal information?<\/div>
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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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

Are there special rules for students on F-1 and J-1 visas?<\/div>
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Yes, there are special rules for students on visas.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. For any other visa inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Gill, Director, International Employment & Immigration – gille@montclair.edu<\/a>; (973) 655-2133 or (973) 655-5225.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What is New Jersey Executive Order 12?<\/div>
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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<\/a>. While this order is being challenged by the Department of Justice, it is currently in full force and effect.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Governor Sherill launched a new state website<\/a> that residents can consult when interacting with federal agents and established a \u201cresident reporting portal<\/a>\u201d for NJ residents to share details of their interactions with federal immigration officers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Off Campus FAQs<\/h2>\n
Can federal immigration officers enter off-campus housing or apartments?<\/div>
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In order to enter private property, such as a house or apartment, without the occupant\u2019s consent, officers must have a judicial warrant (signed by a judge).<\/p>\n

An arrest warrant signed by a judge allows entry, without consent, into the residence of the person named on the arrest warrant.<\/p>\n

A civil or administrative warrant (not signed by a judge) requires the occupant\u2019s consent for entry.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What University resources are available if a student’s or employee’s family member is detained by federal authorities?<\/div>
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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.
\nStudents may contact the Office Dean of Students\u2019 Office<\/a>, 973-655-4118 or deanofstudents@montclair.edu<\/a> which can help assess academic, wellness, and short-term support needs and connect students to appropriate campus and external resources.<\/p>\n

The Dean of Students may also provide referrals to external legal or community-based resources upon request.
\nEmployees may contact Human Resources askHR@montclair.edu<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

As noted above, this information is intended solely as a guidance. This information does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. For personal legal questions, please contact the resources below or consult with a qualified attorney.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Resources for Students<\/h2>\n

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)<\/a><\/h3>\n

For mental health support, CAPS offers confidential counseling services to help you process concerns, anxiety, or stress you may be experiencing.<\/p>\n

Montclair Campus<\/strong><\/p>\n