St. Paul Schools Offer Virtual Learning to Support Students Impacted by ICE Activity

Special educators work to continue individualized services for students with disabilities during temporary remote learning

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Faced with students staying home or switching to online learning due to immigration enforcement activity, special educators in St. Paul, Minnesota are working to continue providing individualized services for students with disabilities who are suddenly out of the school building. The district's 33,000 general and special education students have the option to enroll in temporary virtual learning, which began on January 22 after ICE activity in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community.

Why it matters

As federal immigration enforcement intensifies in various localities, districts like St. Paul Public Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and Los Angeles Unified School District have opened or expanded virtual school options for families concerned about safety going to and from school. This highlights the challenges schools face in providing a welcoming and safe environment for all students, especially those with disabilities, amidst increased immigration enforcement activity.

The details

About 20% of the district's students have opted into the temporary remote learning model. Of those who qualify for special education services, 15% - or about 825 - were participating as of January 28. To meet the needs of students with disabilities in temporary virtual settings, a student's special education case manager reviews the individualized education program and talks with the family about what the virtual learning experience would look like and how to provide consent for those services. Services that might need to shift to remote learning could include academic supports, speech and language, and physical or behavioral therapies.

  • The temporary virtual learning option began on January 22, 2026.
  • As of January 28, 2026, 15% of the district's special education students - about 825 - were participating in the temporary remote learning model.

The players

Heidi Nistler

The assistant superintendent of specialized services for St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota.

Fridley Public School District

One of two Minnesota school districts, along with Duluth Public School District, that sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its ICE office to stop immigration enforcement at schools.

Duluth Public School District

One of two Minnesota school districts, along with Fridley Public School District, that sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its ICE office to stop immigration enforcement at schools.

Education Minnesota

The teachers union that joined the lawsuit filed by the Fridley Public School District and Duluth Public School District against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its ICE office.

Trump administration

Removed schools, day care centers, hospitals and churches as "sensitive locations" to be avoided by federal immigration authorities, sparking fear among school communities.

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What they’re saying

“CASE wants every child and family to know they are valued and will be supported.”

— Phyllis Wolfram, Executive Director, Council of Administrators of Special Education (Education Dive)

What’s next

The judge in the case filed by the Fridley Public School District, Duluth Public School District, and Education Minnesota will decide on Tuesday whether to grant an injunction to stop immigration enforcement at schools.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges schools face in providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, especially those with disabilities, amidst increased immigration enforcement activity. It underscores the need for schools to be proactive in supporting families and ensuring students can continue to access their education, including through temporary virtual learning options when necessary.