ICE Raids in “Sensitive Areas”
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Isabella Deitz
The Trump administration has implemented a new executive order modifying immigration enforcement policy, which now permits ICE agents to arrest undocumented immigrants in previously restricted “sensitive areas”.
According to ABC News, “Federal immigration authorities will be permitted to target schools and churches after President Donald Trump revoked a directive barring arrests in “sensitive” areas.” In light of this, along with President Trump’s promise for mass deportations, many states have seen a rise in the presence of ICE raids.Recently there was an ICE raid in Newark, New Jersey where immigrants were detained without a warrant. According to Jeff Goldman in his article for NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, “Heavily armed U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stormed into the rear of a seafood distribution center in New Jersey’s largest city Thursday, blocked exits and detained those employees for interrogation without showing a warrant.”
How does the recent rise in ICE raids affect schools nationwide, including Rutgers Camden? For starters, some schools across the nation have seen a rise in student absences. Most educators believe that it is out of fear of ICE entering their school district and detaining the students themselves, or their parents. A rise in absences would be bad for the students because it not only affects their education, but it also affects their accessibility to food. Many students across the country rely on school lunches and breakfast programs for food throughout the school week.
Rutgers-Camden reports no visible presence of immigration enforcement agents on or near campus since the implementation of the new executive order. Campus operations continue as normal, with no direct effects observed on daily activities.
The Immigrant Defense Project offers guidance for individuals who may encounter immigration enforcement. Their recommendations include asking officers “Am I free to go?” before providing identification. If permitted to leave, individuals may decline to answer questions. If detained, the organization advises individuals to exercise their right to remain silent and request legal representation. Lastly, if ICE is seen on or near the campus area, it’s encouraged that you tell an authority figure or RUPD when possible.
Links to works cited:
Trump authorizes ICE to target courthouses, schools and churches – ABC News ICE agents stormed business, blocked exits while making arrests in N.J.’s largest city – nj.com Home-Raid-community-Flyer-ENGL-February-2025.pdf
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