This communication aims to update the community on our district protocols related to immigrant students and families. These protocols are based on guidance from the State of New Jersey and legal counsel.
Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District protocols for immigrant students and families:
If an immigration agent seeks to or enters school grounds in an official capacity, the administration will immediately contact Robert Beers, Superintendent of Schools, and the District Security Coordinator.
The principal will obtain information from the agent regarding their credentials, the purpose of the access request, and any documentation that authorizes school access.
The principal will inform the agent that, absent exigent circumstances, school personnel must first receive direction from the Chief School Administrator. An administrative immigration warrant is not sufficient to require admittance. For example, an ICE Warrant for Arrest of Alien (Form I-200) is a warrant often used by immigration officers but is not a judicially issued warrant.
The Superintendent of Schools will consult with district legal counsel to assess the documentation and determine the appropriate next steps.
If the immigration agent declares the existence of an exigent circumstance and demands immediate access, comply with the request and immediately notify the Chief School Administrator.
Schools are not required to, and the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District will not provide information about students' attendance or locations or make students available on the spot without the opportunity to consult with the Chief School Administrator and district legal counsel.
For additional information, please click on the link below.