Atlantic Cape Community College President Barbara Gaba alerted students and employees Tuesday about concerns should ICE agents show up on campus.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions have been reported in the state and across the country, which raises concerns about how Atlantic Cape students and employees should respond if they show up on campus.

Atlantic Cape follows all local, state and federal laws, Gaba said, but students and employees should be aware of their rights and know the steps they should take if ICE officers visit any of the college’s three campuses in Mays Landing, Cape May Courthouse and Atlantic City.

DHS and ICE protocols

The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded guidance under former President Joe Biden that previously designated schools, colleges, places of worship and other areas as protected zones unless officials had a judicial warrant. Consequently, ICE now has the authority to enter public spaces on campus. 

However, ICE can’t access private areas, such as classrooms, offices or spaces where private business is being conducted, without a judicial warrant, Gaba said.

    Atlantic Cape Community College, Cape May County campus.  

What to do if you encounter ICE or other law enforcement

·       Do not engage or interfere with agents. Maintain a safe distance, and if they speak to you, advise them that it is college procedure that all guests must visit the Security Office first and students should contact the Chief Business Officer and Campus Security.

·       Let the agents know that the appropriate personnel will meet with the agents immediately. Refrain from answering additional questions.

Rights and protections

Whether you are a student or an employee, regardless of your citizenship status, you have important rights when it comes to your information:

• ·       College employees are prohibited by New Jersey law from providing information about students’ attendance, personal details or location without approval from the college’s legal counsel. 
• ·       Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Atlantic Cape cannot release personally identifiable information or educational records without a written request from the student or a subpoena. 
• ·       For employees, Human Resources cannot release any personal information about you to any law enforcement agency without a warrant or a subpoena. 

·       If immigration officials approach you personally, know your rights (per ACLU and NJ Dept of Ed guidance):

• ·       You have the right to remain silent.
• ·       Ask if you are free to leave. If so, you may walk away calmly.
• ·       You have the right to refuse consent to a search.
• ·       You do not have to discuss your immigration status, including where you were born, your citizenship, or how you entered the country.
• ·       Present valid immigration documents, if requested, but never provide false documents.
• ·       If arrested, state your intention to remain silent until you consult a lawyer.
• ·       You may record interactions as long as it does not interfere with the agents.

    Atlantic Cape Community College, Mays Landing.  

Moving forward

Atlantic Cape Community College remains committed to monitoring developments and providing updates based on guidance from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and other authorities, Gaba said. 

“We are committed to advocating for policies that respect the rights, dignity, and well-being of every member of our community,” she said in the notice. “Our college mission states that Atlantic Cape Community College provides inclusive, accessible, and equitable educational programs and services to transform lives and empower students to successfully meet their academic, social, and career goals, while also supporting the diverse needs of our community. This mission is more than words – it is a steadfast commitment that reflects our identity and purpose as a community college. Together, we will uphold the values and principles that make Atlantic Cape a welcoming community.”