Breaking: ICE operations at roosevelt High trigger citywide concerns as schools pause in Minneapolis
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MINNEAPOLIS — In a developing chapter of ICE operations in the city, roughly 150 parents, students, and educators gathered Friday at Lake Hiawatha Park to demand that federal immigration enforcement leave Minneapolis. the protest comes after a tense week that included a deadly city shooting and the detention of a Roosevelt High School staff member on school property.
Earlier in the week, an ICE agent shot and killed a local resident, Renee Good, prompting heightened tensions. Hours later, federal agents descended onto Roosevelt High School during dismissal, detaining a school staff member who is also a member of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators. Reports indicate agents deployed a chemical irritant on campus as students and staff were exiting the building, while some students sheltered in a nearby library after the confrontation.
At Friday’s gathering,community members described the scene as chaotic and frightening.One parent recounted seeing federal agents create a loud disruption at the school site, arguing that such enforcement has no place on grounds intended for learning and growth.
A leading educator and MFE official affirmed that immigration enforcement should never occur on school property and underscored students’ right to a free public education. The crowd was urged to keep whistles handy to alert neighbors of any ICE activity and to connect with neighborhood rapid-response networks across the city.
In a concurrent note, TakeAction Minnesota’s organizers joined parents in calling for a statewide and local response to the crisis, pressing officials to end ICE operations in Minneapolis and to hold responsible agents accountable.
Amid the mounting concerns, Minneapolis Public Schools announced class suspensions for Thursday and Friday, citing safety risks across the city. The district later offered remote learning through February 12 to accommodate families affected by the disruption.
Community leaders outlined ongoing support measures for families facing ICE detentions.These include coordinated rides to and from school for students whose guardians cannot leave home,food deliveries,patrols at bus stops and school pick-up zones,and financial assistance for households impacted by detentions.
One organizer emphasized the collective resolve: “We are stronger when we organize and stand together.” The conversation also touched on broader protections, with advocates calling for a moratorium on evictions during this crisis to prevent further hardship for families.
As the city processes the immediate aftermath, advocates reminded residents that Minneapolis has a history of mobilization in the face of adversity. “This is not our first time organizing,” a community member saeid. “There are more of us than there are of them.”
Key Facts in brief
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Friday rally | January 9, 2026 |
| Location of protest | Lake hiawatha Park, South Minneapolis |
| Recent incidents | Detention of Roosevelt High School staff member; prior fatal shooting by an ICE agent |
| School impact | Roosevelt High operations disrupted; remote learning option announced through February 12 |
| Community actions | Rides, meals, bus-stop patrols, and financial support for affected families |
| Key groups involved | Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Federation of educators, TakeAction Minnesota |
For broader context on immigration enforcement and school environments, readers may review reports from local outlets and federal agency information such as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement site. ICE and MPR News coverage provide additional perspectives on the Roosevelt incident and school closures.
evergreen insights for readers
The events at Roosevelt High highlight enduring tensions between immigration enforcement and school safety. Complex, real-world consequences fall on students, families, and school staff long after any immediate confrontation ends. Communities often respond by organizing mutual-aid networks that address immediate needs—rides, meals, and financial help—while advocating for policy protections that shield students’ right to learn in secure environments. This situation underscores the importance of clear interaction from school systems, clear guidelines around enforcement on campus, and sustained civic engagement to balance safety with civil rights.
Long-term resilience depends on robust partnerships among schools, local organizations, and residents. History shows that when communities mobilize quickly—sharing resources, coordinating transportation, and coordinating support—students can continue learning despite disruptions. These efforts also raise questions about eviction protections, housing security, and access to essential services during periods of heightened enforcement.
Reader engagement
Two quick questions for you: How should school districts balance safety with civil rights during enforcement actions on campus? What kinds of community-supported measures are most effective in protecting students and families during crises?
Disclaimer: This article provides background and context based on reported events. It does not constitute legal advice. For ongoing updates, consult official school notices and local authorities.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and consider forwarding this coverage to others who support safe, inclusive schools.
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I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
