Minnesota Teachers Sue DHS to Keep ICE Off School Property

Lawsuit alleges immigration crackdown has disrupted schools across the state.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of Minnesota school districts and educators has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that federal immigration officers have conducted enforcement operations near or on school grounds, affecting attendance and disrupting the functioning of schools across the state.

Why it matters

The lawsuit challenges the reversal of a long-standing policy that instructed immigration agents to avoid 'sensitive locations' like schools, hospitals, and churches. The plaintiffs argue that the increased ICE presence on or near school campuses has caused direct harm to students' education and the ability of schools to provide a safe learning environment.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by two school districts in Fridley and Duluth, representing almost 12,000 children, along with the 89,000-member teachers union Education Minnesota. They allege that federal officers have detained teachers, parents, and students on or near school grounds, and have even used force and chemical irritants outside a high school in Minneapolis. The lawsuit claims these actions have 'caused direct and irreparable harm' to the ability of schools to educate children and provide a safe environment.

  • In December, ICE officers were deployed to Minnesota for 'Operation Metro Surge'.
  • Last month, federal officers tackled people outside Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and released chemical irritants as classes dismissed.

The players

Fridley Public Schools

A school district in Minnesota representing almost 12,000 children.

Duluth Public Schools

A school district in Minnesota representing almost 12,000 children.

Education Minnesota

An 89,000-member teachers union in Minnesota.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement, including ICE.

June Hoidal

An attorney representing the plaintiffs with Zimmerman Reed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Schools depend on stability, and that stability has been disrupted.”

— Brenda Lewis, Superintendent of Fridley Public Schools (adn.com)

“The removal of long-standing protections around schools has had immediate and real consequences for our learning community.”

— John Magas, Superintendent of Duluth Public Schools (adn.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to order federal officers to stay away from schools in Minnesota.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the disruptive impact of the federal government's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics on the ability of schools to provide a safe and stable learning environment for students.