## Minnesota Schools Prepare for Potential Immigration Enforcement
Following a series of Trump administration executive actions aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigrants, several Minnesota school districts are proactively preparing their staff and families for potential immigration enforcement at or near school campuses. This preparation stems from the administration’s rescission of federal guidelines that previously designated schools, healthcare facilities, and churches as “sensitive locations,” limiting immigration enforcement in these areas. The new policy leaves the decision of where to conduct enforcement to the “common sense” of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The shift in policy has generated widespread fear and, in some instances, misinformation. For example, Chicago Public Schools mistakenly reported an ICE presence at an elementary school; the agents were actually from the U.S. Secret Service investigating an anti-Trump video. Despite this incident, public opinion seems to favor schools protecting students regardless of immigration status. An Associated Press poll revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents opposed arresting undocumented children at school.
In response, the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership conducted a December training session for over 100 school administrators. This training focused on districts’ legal obligations concerning immigration agents’ access to schools and student data. The key takeaway: districts are only required to cooperate with agents possessing a valid judicial warrant (signed by a judge or magistrate), not the administrative warrants typically used for civil immigration violations.
This legal framework underscores the existing protections for undocumented students. Federal law, as established by *Plyer v. Doe* (1982), guarantees all children a free public education regardless of immigration status. This right is further reinforced by the Minnesota Constitution and the state’s ethical code of conduct, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin. The training emphasized that schools are not obligated to assist in immigration enforcement.
The fear among school districts is rooted in the heightened immigration enforcement experienced during Trump’s first term. Research from UNIDOS indicates that these policies negatively impacted students, leading to decreased school attendance and participation in extracurricular activities.
Several districts are implementing specific protocols. Minneapolis Public Schools, home to approximately 2,500 undocumented students in early 2024, has trained staff on how to respond to ICE agents. Training documents indicate that staff are not required to assist with administrative warrants and must follow specific procedures if law enforcement seeks to enter the school building, including verifying identities, contacting legal counsel, and reviewing any presented documentation before allowing entry. The district also explicitly stated it will not use its resources to aid in the apprehension of individuals whose only offense is being undocumented. They will, however, comply with valid court orders or legal requirements for releasing student information. The district also proactively contacted parents to share information on legal rights and emergency plans. Last week, the school board unanimously reaffirmed a 2016 resolution protecting immigrant students and their families.
Other districts, including Richfield and St. Paul, are taking similar measures, providing staff with training and reminding parents to update emergency contact information. Northfield Public Schools, while lacking formal training, has reinforced existing policies regarding building access and student data, relying on established protocols and community resources to address concerns.
This proactive approach by Minnesota school districts reflects a national trend, with similar guidance being offered in states like Utah and Kentucky. The widespread preparation underscores the anxiety surrounding the potential for increased immigration enforcement and the commitment of many schools to protect their students, regardless of immigration status.