College students in New Jersey who are citizens of foreign countries are facing unprecedented challenges. As the Trump administration continues to ramp up its efforts to target foreign citizens who are in the U.S. both legally and illegally, college students are increasingly finding themselves in the government’s crosshairs. Campus raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are a very real concern—and students who are detained can find themselves in scary, unpredictable, and high-risk situations. If you are a college student in New Jersey, keep reading to learn what you need to know from an experienced New Jersey immigration lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
ICE Agents Can Enter Public Spaces on College Campuses Without a Warrant
Generally, anyone can enter a public space on a college campus—unless they have been specifically barred from doing so. This means that ICE agents can enter public spaces on college campuses, and, if they have grounds to take enforcement action while they are there, they are generally able to do so.
Currently, ICE appears to be taking advantage of this privilege to target foreign-born college students in New Jersey and other states. This includes, but is not limited to, targeting students while they are participating in protests and other organized events. Given the current state of affairs, this unfortunately means that international students may need to consider whether they are willing to take the risk of being in public spaces more often than is strictly necessary.
ICE Agents Cannot Enter Non-Public Spaces on College Campuses Except with a Warrant or Permission
While ICE agents can enter public spaces on college campuses without a warrant, they need a warrant or permission to enter any space that is not open to the public. Each college and university have the ability to set its own policies regarding granting permission to ICE agents. For example, Rutgers University recently published a series of FAQs in which it states:
“[F]ederal authorities are precluded from directing the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) to serve as agents in their stead. . . . Rutgers is committed to ensuring that any federal enforcement actions on campus adhere to due process, including the requirement of a warrant when necessary. In the event federal immigration authorities do show up on Rutgers University property, RUPD should be immediately notified. . . . RUPD 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.”
However, as the University also makes clear, “Upon verification of the judicial warrant or other court order, RUPD will not have the authority to interfere.”
What constitutes a “non-public” space is not clearly defined in the law (though dorm rooms are clearly private), and, here too, it will be up to individual colleges and universities to do what they can to protect their students. Ultimately, if you encounter ICE agents on campus, protect yourself to the best of your ability and contact campus police immediately, if possible.
An Order of Removal or Deportation is Not a Warrant
With regard to warrants, it is important to clarify that an order of removal or deportation is not a warrant. This means that ICE agents cannot enter non-public spaces on college campuses based on their possession of an order of removal or deportation. However, if ICE agents locate a student who is subject to an order in a public space on campus, they may be able to detain the student on-site.
Federal Immigration Lawsuits Involving International College Students in New Jersey are Ongoing
At least one lawsuit involving foreign-born college students in New Jersey is already underway. On April 22, 2025, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey filed a lawsuit on behalf of six students attending Rutgers University, “who have had their student status effectively terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” As the ACLU of New Jersey explains:
“The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration’s abrupt termination of the students’ immigration records, and effectively their F-1 student status, violates the law and the Constitution... [and] seeks an immediate injunction and restoration of the students’ immigration records and status while the case is pending.”
Our lawyers will be watching the case closely in the weeks ahead. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the only case of its kind, and our lawyers are available to represent students who need legal representation after being contacted or detained by ICE as well.
You Have the Right to Legal Representation if You Are Stopped or Detained by ICE
If you are stopped or detained by ICE—whether on campus or off—you have clear legal rights. These include the following rights, among others:
- The right to remain silent (you should clearly and simply state that you are exercising your right to remain silent and then refuse to answer any questions from ICE agents).
- The right to refuse consent to search your room, apartment, vehicle, or belongings if ICE agents do not have a valid search warrant.
- The right to legal representation (the government does not have to provide you with a lawyer, so you should keep a New Jersey immigration lawyer’s contact information in your phone).
The ACLU has published a useful resource discussing immigrants’ rights and tips international college students can follow to help protect themselves, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration (which is not affiliated with the federal government) has published some helpful FAQs as well. Ultimately, however, if you have questions or need help, you should contact a New Jersey immigration lawyer right away.
Contact a New Jersey Immigration Lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A.
If you have questions about international students’ rights, what colleges in New Jersey can (and can’t) do to protect their students, or any other immigration-related matter on campus, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Call 877-435-6371 or contact us confidentially online to speak with an experienced New Jersey immigration lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. in confidence as soon as possible.
