In brief
A federal judge is approached by Minnesota school districts and the teachers union to shut down a Trump administration policy that allows increased immigration enforcement in schools. The policy rescinded protections for sensitive locations, prompting fears and decreased attendance among students, particularly among immigrant families. With court hearings underway, superintendents stress the profound effects on attendance and resources, arguing that the focus on immigration enforcement has persisted despite the supposed end of Operation Metro Surge.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Lawyers representing two Minnesota school districts and the state’s teachers union are pleading with a federal judge to block changes to immigration policies that allow for increased enforcement near schools. The Department of Homeland Security last year removed protections that previously deemed schools and other sensitive locations as off-limits for immigration enforcement. This policy shift raises fears and has negatively impacted student attendance, prompting legal action during a time of heightened federal immigration activities known as Operation Metro Surge. Superintendents of the affected districts have documented dramatic drops in attendance, linking it to fears stemming from potential immigration raids. The ongoing court case seeks either a stay or an injunction to restore previous protections, as schools desperately try to maintain safety and learning environments amidst rising fears among immigrant families.
