Camden School District reassuring families amid concerns over potential ICE initiative

CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) -- The Camden School District is urging families to continue sending their children to school, emphasizing that schools remain a safe space amid growing concerns over a potential new initiative from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"We have not gotten any credible reports of ICE action in schools in New Jersey. Having said that, we see absolute fear," said Jeff DeCristofaro, executive director of the Camden Center for Law and Social Justice.

The district issued a letter warning families about a possible ICE effort targeting unaccompanied minors. According to DeCristofaro, the news began circulating last Friday, prompting community members to refer to it as "Freaky Friday."

ICE may be sending offer letters to unaccompanied minors, proposing voluntary return to their country of origin in exchange for up to $2,500. While no students in Camden have received such letters, the district is taking precautions.

"We don't think it's a good idea to return children who were trafficked back to their home country," DeCristofaro said. "Sometimes it may be an even worse idea to announce, 'By the way, we're going to give this child a bunch of money.'"

The Camden Center for Law and Social Justice is working with the district to provide education sessions, resources, and a new app offering "know-your-rights" information.

The Camden School District is reminding families that receiving such a letter does not change a student's legal status or rights.