Key Takeaways
• On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration reversed a policy discouraging immigration enforcement in sensitive places like schools.
• ICE agents can only enter schools with a warrant signed by a state or federal judge, not an immigration judge.
• Minneapolis Public Schools advises consulting legal teams for ICE warrants and subpoenas, protecting student privacy and compliance with laws.
Minneapolis advocates are stepping up efforts to inform schools about their rights and duties when dealing with possible visits from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action comes in response to recent policy changes that have caused concern about how immigration enforcement may affect educational spaces.
On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration reversed a long-term policy that had previously discouraged immigration enforcement in what are considered “sensitive” places like schools. This significant shift has led educators and local advocates in Minneapolis to prepare school staff to handle potential encounters with ICE and reassure concerned families about their rights.
At the forefront of these efforts is the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP). This organization has been providing schools with critical resources, explaining the legal frameworks surrounding ICE visits, and empowering administrators to make informed decisions. MnEEP makes it clear that ICE agents can only enter a school if they present a valid warrant signed by a state or federal judge. According to MnEEP, a warrant signed by an immigration judge does not meet this legal standard. This distinction is vital in ensuring that schools act within the boundaries of the law while protecting the rights of their students and staff.
Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is actively preparing its staff for such situations. School administrators are being trained on how to differentiate between various types of warrants and how to respond appropriately. The district advises its staff not to allow ICE agents into school buildings without first consulting the district’s legal team to verify the validity of the warrant. In instances where subpoenas are issued to obtain student or family records, MPS instructs its staff to consult the district’s lawyers before handing over any documents. These steps are designed to protect the privacy of students and ensure that schools do not accidentally release private information without a legal mandate.
Neighboring St. Paul Public Schools is taking additional measures to support its communities. For families who are particularly concerned about the possibility of immigration-related actions, the district is advising parents to complete a “Delegation of Parental Authority” form. This legal document allows a trusted adult, such as a relative or family friend, to assume responsibility for a child’s care in case a parent becomes unable to do so. This proactive step could provide families with some peace of mind during uncertain times.
Similarly, the Anoka-Hennepin School District, Minnesota’s largest school system, has issued its own policies. Legal counsel is now involved in all ICE-related requests for student access, carefully reviewing them to ensure compliance with federal and state legal standards. By leaning on their legal teams, these districts aim to balance their obligations under the law while upholding their responsibility to protect students.
The importance of these preparations became especially clear following an incident in early February 2025. Near a PreK-8 charter school in Minnesota, a parent was arrested while dropping their child off at school. Though the exact circumstances surrounding the arrest are not fully known, it is widely believed that ICE agents carried it out. This event has raised alarm in school communities across Minneapolis and beyond. School officials also reported seeing unmarked vehicles conducting surveillance around the same charter school shortly after the arrest. The presence of these vehicles created an uneasy environment for families and faculty, further emphasizing the need for clear and actionable protocols.
The effects of immigration enforcement near schools go far beyond legal compliance. They can deeply impact the atmosphere of trust and safety that students and their families rely on. Advocates and educators alike argue that schools should remain spaces where children feel secure—places where education is the focus, not fear. This belief is backed by the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which guarantees that all children, regardless of their immigration status, have the right to public education under the equal protection clause of the Constitution. Minnesota’s own laws also protect students from discrimination based on their national origin.
Advocates like those at MnEEP are calling for an end to immigration enforcement actions in or near schools, colleges, and universities. They argue that such actions discourage students from attending school due to fear, ultimately harming their chances of academic success and limiting their future opportunities. As part of their campaign to support schools and families, MnEEP has developed a new resource titled “Creating Safe & Supportive Schools for Immigrant and English Learners.” This toolkit provides practical advice on protecting student rights and ensuring that schools remain welcoming environments for all learners, regardless of their immigration status.
Other institutions are also stepping up to support immigrant communities. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, for instance, is mobilizing students, staff, and faculty to advocate for undocumented individuals and noncitizen community members. A coalition at the University has presented a list of nine specific demands to its leadership. Among these demands are calls for joining the Presidents’ Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, a group that supports positive immigration policies for higher education institutions, and a guarantee that campus law enforcement will not assist ICE in their operations.
University President Rebecca Cunningham has responded by affirming that public safety departments on campus do not play a role in enforcing federal immigration laws. However, she clarified that the University is still obligated to comply with valid federal court orders. This means that if ICE presents an authorized judicial warrant, they may gain access to campus areas and certain student data. This balancing act, between adhering to federal law and showing support for vulnerable populations, illustrates the challenges faced by educational institutions in today’s immigration climate.
The uncertain and changing policies around immigration enforcement in educational settings require schools, colleges, and universities to carefully examine their protocols. For many educators in Minneapolis, having clear response plans is critical to ensuring that schools serve as safe learning environments for all students. The collaboration between Minneapolis advocates, MnEEP, and local educational institutions has yielded significant progress, but the work is far from over.
As events continue to unfold and policies either shift or solidify, schools in Minneapolis are showing a strong commitment to informing staff, training educators, and preparing families. This shared sense of responsibility reflects a broader movement aimed at amplifying protections for all students, regardless of their immigration background. Many advocates stress that this effort is vital to not only upholding fundamental rights but also ensuring that children can focus on what truly matters—their education and growth.
Looking ahead, additional efforts are expected. These could include expanding existing training programs for school personnel, creating stronger lines of communication between families and education leaders, and advocating for broader protections at the federal and local levels. In turn, these steps may lead to better-prepared schools and more confident families.
In conclusion, the coordinated efforts in Minneapolis to educate schools about their legal rights show a thoughtful and determined response to a rapidly changing immigration landscape. MnEEP, together with schools like Minneapolis Public Schools and community advocates, is working to uphold the values of equality and education for all students, no matter their status. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such proactive measures not only protect students but also strengthen the relationship between schools and families during challenging times.
For more detailed information on students’ rights or immigration laws related to education, visit the official ICE policies page at www.ice.gov/sensitive-locations. This resource outlines additional details about ICE protocols for sensitive areas, including schools.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A U.S. agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and conducting deportations and investigations.
Sensitive locations → Areas such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship where ICE enforcement actions are generally discouraged.
Delegation of Parental Authority form → A legal document allowing a trusted adult to care for a child if a parent becomes unavailable.
Judicial warrant → A legal document signed by a judge, authorizing law enforcement to conduct activities like searches or arrests.
Plyler v. Doe → A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling ensuring public education rights for all children, regardless of immigration status.
This Article in a Nutshell
In Minneapolis, educators and advocates are equipping schools with vital tools to navigate immigration enforcement. By clarifying warrant requirements, training staff, and protecting student privacy, they aim to ensure schools remain safe spaces. This proactive approach empowers families, upholds students’ rights, and reinforces education as a sanctuary, not a place of fear.
— By VisaVerge.com
