- posted: Mar. 02, 2026
In this day and age, more immigration officials are being seen on university campuses throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. This past week, federal immigration officials arrested a student at Columbia University, in New York City. The student was a senior from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and politics. Federal agents entered her apartment, and claimed they were looking for a missing child, where the student was then arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The student was later released from custody, after New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani discussed the situation with President Donald Trump.
As of today, federal immigration officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have been seen on university campuses across the country. If you are a student, is it important that you know your rights if you encounter a federal law enforcement officer on campus, regardless of your immigration status.
In 2026, Rutgers University released statements and resources available to students to assist in answering questions and concerns regarding federal officials on campus. These rights include: the ability to remain silent and not answer questions, being able to refuse to consent to search, if the officer does not have a valid warrant or legal basis, and the right to consult with an attorney regarding your situation.
Federal authorities, including ICE and CBP officials are allowed on the Rutgers campus. Rutgers encourages you to contact RUPD if you encounter federal officials on campus. Once RUPD arrives, they are able to verify their credentials, paperwork, and purpose for being on campus. If you are a student at Rutgers University, refer to the important information below about how to protect yourself and your rights on campus:
- If you see federal authorities enter a Rutgers facility, do not engage, and contact RUPD (Rutgers University Police Department) and give them the information you have.
- If federal authorities question you, remember you have the right to remain silent, speak to and consult with an attorney, and the right to refuse to consent to search, only if there is no valid judicial warrant or legal basis presented.
- Ask if you are free to go, if the answer is yes, calmly walk away. If the answer is no, wait for RUPD to arrive to talk to the officials.
- Do not sign anything, until you have spoken with an attorney.
At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, Eric has over 25 years of experience in handling criminal cases, many involving Rutgers students. Our office has extensive experience in handling complicated criminal cases, involving immigration concerns. If you or your family experienced an encounter with a federal law enforcement officer at Rutgers or any college campus in New Jersey, call our office at 732-249-9933, and we can discuss your situation further.
- posted: Mar. 02, 2026
In this day and age, more immigration officials are being seen on university campuses throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area. This past week, federal immigration officials arrested a student at Columbia University, in New York City. The student was a senior from Azerbaijan studying neuroscience and politics. Federal agents entered her apartment, and claimed they were looking for a missing child, where the student was then arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The student was later released from custody, after New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani discussed the situation with President Donald Trump.
As of today, federal immigration officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have been seen on university campuses across the country. If you are a student, is it important that you know your rights if you encounter a federal law enforcement officer on campus, regardless of your immigration status.
In 2026, Rutgers University released statements and resources available to students to assist in answering questions and concerns regarding federal officials on campus. These rights include: the ability to remain silent and not answer questions, being able to refuse to consent to search, if the officer does not have a valid warrant or legal basis, and the right to consult with an attorney regarding your situation.
Federal authorities, including ICE and CBP officials are allowed on the Rutgers campus. Rutgers encourages you to contact RUPD if you encounter federal officials on campus. Once RUPD arrives, they are able to verify their credentials, paperwork, and purpose for being on campus. If you are a student at Rutgers University, refer to the important information below about how to protect yourself and your rights on campus:
- If you see federal authorities enter a Rutgers facility, do not engage, and contact RUPD (Rutgers University Police Department) and give them the information you have.
- If federal authorities question you, remember you have the right to remain silent, speak to and consult with an attorney, and the right to refuse to consent to search, only if there is no valid judicial warrant or legal basis presented.
- Ask if you are free to go, if the answer is yes, calmly walk away. If the answer is no, wait for RUPD to arrive to talk to the officials.
- Do not sign anything, until you have spoken with an attorney.
At the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell, Eric has over 25 years of experience in handling criminal cases, many involving Rutgers students. Our office has extensive experience in handling complicated criminal cases, involving immigration concerns. If you or your family experienced an encounter with a federal law enforcement officer at Rutgers or any college campus in New Jersey, call our office at 732-249-9933, and we can discuss your situation further.
