Lawrence Schools Forms Committee To Address Potential Impacts Of ICE Raids

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — As immigration crackdown continues across the country following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, several New Jersey residents could be affected.

The Trump administration announced it would allow federal immigration agencies to make arrests at schools, churches, and hospitals, ending a policy that had been in effect since 2011.

Earlier New Jersey officials shared ways schools can keep immigrant students and families safe. On Tuesday, Superintendent Robyn Klim of Lawrence Township Public Schools reiterated the school district’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

“In challenging times, this commitment is more important than ever. Recent discussions about potential federal policies targeting immigrant families have raised significant concerns nationwide. On behalf of the Lawrence Township Board of Education, we want to reaffirm our unwavering stance: Lawrence Township Public Schools will always be a haven for every student, regardless of their background or immigration status,” Klim said.

Lawrence's strength lies in the diversity and contributions of every community member. By law, every child has the right to a public education, and we uphold this essential principle. Immigration status does not determine a student's access to education in our district. If the national dialogue around immigration enforcement brings uncertainty or fear, we are here to help. Our school principals, counselors, teachers, and district central office are ready to provide support.”

Klim told the community that the school district has established a proactive committee in collaboration with the Director of Student Achievement, Equity and Opportunity to address the potential impacts of federal immigration policies.

The committee is dedicated to protecting the stability and well-being of students while developing a comprehensive plan to address immigration challenges with care and compassion.

“We assess our community's concerns and work to implement protocols that provide students and families with social, emotional, academic, and logistical support. Additionally, we coordinate with Township Officials, the New Jersey Department of Education, and educational and legal experts to offer resources, training and guidance,” Klim said.

“We encourage you to contact your child's principal or guidance counselor if you need assistance. We also invite our community partners, local organizations, and all who share our values to stand with us in supporting the dignity and rights of every family. Together, we will ensure Lawrence Township Public Schools remains a district that leads with equity, compassion, and inclusion.”

An estimated 733,000 school-aged children are in the U.S. illegally, including 31,000 in New Jersey, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Many more have U.S. citizenship but have parents who are undocumented.

The NJ Department of Education added a page to its website with suggested protocols for schools if an ICE agent seeks to come onto school grounds or access school records. This includes getting the agent's information and any documents that authorize them access to the school, and immediately contacting the superintendent.

Schools are also not required to share information about students' attendance or location without consulting with the superintendent or district legal council.

All local school districts in New Jersey must enroll students regardless of their immigration status, per state and federal regulations, and the Department of Education encourages districts to have systems of support in place for students and families.

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