In light of recent reports of ICE enforcement in Princeton yesterday (Jan. 15, 2026) with the reported arrest of a Princeton School District parent (not on school grounds), members of our WW-P community have raised questions about district policies and procedures should such immigration actions arise within our community.
In West Windsor - Plainsboro we remain passionately committed to protecting the rights of every student to attend public school. Our schools are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student and staff member feels valued, safe, and protected. Amid the national discourse regarding immigration and federal policies, we want to reaffirm our unwavering stance: school is a right of every student, regardless of their background, identity, or immigration status that lives within our West Windsor and Plainsboro communities.
It is important to note that education is a state right and responsibility. As such, every New Jersey public school district is required to provide equal access to education to all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status. Schools must meet this fundamental obligation and avoid policies that prevent or dissuade students from obtaining public education.
WW-P’s commitment to this right is grounded in several unchanging legal principles that apply to all New Jersey school districts:
- Legal Protections for Student Education: The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Plyler v. Doe firmly establishes that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the unequivocal right to public education. Our schools cannot and will not deny educational access based on a student's immigration status.
- N.J.A.C. 6A:22-3.3: Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:22-3.3 immigration/visa status shall not affect eligibility to attend school.
- Student Privacy and Confidentiality: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides robust protection for student education records. This law strictly limits the sharing of personally identifiable information (PII) without parental consent, including any data that could potentially reveal immigration status.
- The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”), N.J.S.A. 10:5-12(11)(f), generally makes it unlawful for schools to subject individuals to differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or nationality.
- Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights: School districts must comply with this New Jersey law that prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and requires each district Board of Education to implement a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) at school, school-sponsored events, and school buses. In addition, schools must take action to end harassment and prevent it from occurring.
Protocols for School Access and Non-Local Law Enforcement
To maintain the stability of our learning environment, we have established clear protocols for "non-local law enforcement," which refers to any agency other than our local municipal police or those identified in the NJ Memorandum of Understanding between Education and Law Enforcement Officials. This specifically includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Judicial Requirements: Our schools do not permit non-local law enforcement agents to enter facilities or access student records unless absolutely required by law through a valid judicial warrant, court order, or subpoena.
- Sensitive Locations: Previously, Federal authorities recognized schools as "sensitive locations" where enforcement activities, such as searches or arrests, are generally not allowed to occur. Under the current federal administration, “sensitive locations” have been eliminated but it is important to note that enforcement actions on school grounds are extraordinarily rare and require a valid judicial warrant, court order, or subpoena.
- Administrative Oversight: If an agent requests access, school staff are instructed to direct the individual to the building and district administration. No information is to be provided until the Superintendent and/or designee and legal counsel have reviewed the validity of the provided court documentation.
- Harboring Restrictions: While we are committed to protecting student rights, the district must also comply with federal law (8 U.S.C.A. § 1324), which prohibits the intentional harboring of undocumented individuals from enforcement actions involving valid judicial warrants.
- Visitor Policies: WW-P has very clear visitor guidelines that establish entrance criteria. Our school entrances have one access point that is maintained by a security officer. Further, every school has Class III police officers who are members of either the West Windsor or Plainsboro Police force. These individuals are highly trained retired officers who choose to serve and protect public schools, staff, and students.
- Safety and Security Plans: WW-P has clear safety and security protocols. If necessary, the district will enact protocols such as a “shelter-in-place” or “lockdown”. These protocols are utilized to limit movement and ensure the safety of all staff and students.
The Immigrant Trust Directive
Our district protocols are further supported by the New Jersey Attorney General’s "Immigrant Trust Directive" (2018-6). This directive limits the voluntary assistance that state and local law enforcement may provide to federal immigration authorities. Local officers cannot stop, question, or arrest individuals based solely on suspected immigration status, nor can they participate in ICE civil enforcement operations. This ensures that all community members feel safe reporting crimes to and engaging with local authorities without fear.
Our Collective Mission
We are proud to be part of a vibrant school community that embraces the strength of our collective diversity. WW-P is dedicated to ensuring that "All Kids Can, All Kids Belong, and We All Play a Part". Over the past 17 years, I have been grateful to be a member of a school community that celebrates the strength found in the diverse backgrounds of our students, staff, and families. We are fortunate to live in a state that upholds the rights of all individuals to feel seen, connected, supported, and proud to be a part of their school community. If you have concerns or require assistance, please contact your school principal or the central office.
Sincerely,
David Aderhold, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District