LINDEN, N.J. (March 27, 2026) – The Linden Board of Education last night passed the Immigration Enforcement Access & Student Privacy Resolution introduced by Commissioner Brianna Armstead, making Linden among the first districts in New Jersey to adopt local guidance following the passage of the Safe Communities Act.
The Safe Communities Act is a New Jersey law that limits voluntary cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement and calls for clear protections so residents can safely access schools and other essential services. The law directs the New Jersey Attorney General to develop model policies for schools, hospitals, shelters, and other essential services. While statewide guidance is forthcoming, the resolution aims to provide clarity for staff and reassurance for families in the interim.
The Immigration Enforcement Access & Student Privacy Resolution outlines procedures for school personnel, reinforces student privacy protections, and establishes clear protocols in the event federal immigration officials seek access to school property. The measure also emphasizes staff training and communication to ensure responses remain consistent with federal and state law.
“Our students deserve to learn in an environment where their safety, dignity, and privacy are nonnegotiable,” said Commissioner Armstead. “Schools should be a place of trust, not fear. We are taking proactive steps to make sure that remains true for every child in our district.”
Armstead emphasized that the resolution is designed to support staff preparedness.
“This resolution is about giving our educators the guidance they need and giving our families the reassurance they deserve,” Armstead added. “It gives us the opportunity to properly educate our staff so they know how to respond within the confines of federal and state law while also upholding our students’ safety and expectation of privacy.”
The resolution mirrors elements of guidance implemented in school districts in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Denver and provides a step-by-step framework for frontline staff.
The resolution was developed with input from the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, a statewide advocacy organization that has helped craft legislation such as New Jersey’s recently passed codification of the Immigrant Trust Directive and the Privacy Protection Act.
The full Immigration Enforcement Access & Student Privacy Resolution is available for public review at Linden BOE ICE Resolution_1_3.26.26.pdf. A video overview from Commissioner Armstead explaining the resolution and its purpose is also available at https://youtu.be/ztRJA_SQK2o