Minnesota School Districts Sue to Restore Limits on Immigration Enforcement Near Schools

Fridley and Duluth districts, along with state teachers union, ask judge to block Trump-era policy change that gave ICE more access to schools.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:18am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty school bus stop bench in warm, golden sunlight, with deep shadows cast across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet unease and uncertainty.The specter of immigration enforcement near schools has cast a shadow over student attendance and the sense of safety in many communities.Duluth Today

Two Minnesota school districts and the state's main teachers union have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a Trump administration policy change that gave immigration authorities more freedom to conduct enforcement actions in and around schools. The plaintiffs argue the new policy has deeply impacted student attendance and put a strain on school resources.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the need for schools to be safe havens where all students can learn without fear. The policy change has had a chilling effect on school attendance, especially in districts with large immigrant populations.

The details

The Fridley and Duluth school districts, along with Education Minnesota, the state's teachers union, filed the lawsuit in February after the Department of Homeland Security rescinded longstanding restrictions on immigration enforcement in 'sensitive locations' like schools. The plaintiffs are asking the court to either stay or issue a preliminary injunction that would restore the previous policy limiting ICE activity near schools.

  • In 2022, the Trump administration rescinded the 'sensitive locations' policy.
  • In February 2026, the school districts and teachers union filed the federal lawsuit.
  • On April 8, 2026, the case was heard in U.S. District Court in Minnesota.

The players

Fridley School District

A suburban Minneapolis school district that has seen a significant drop in student attendance due to fears over immigration enforcement.

Duluth School District

A school district in northern Minnesota, about 150 miles from Minneapolis, that has also felt the impacts of the policy change despite being outside the Twin Cities metro area.

Education Minnesota

The state's main teachers union, which joined the school districts in filing the federal lawsuit.

U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino

The federal judge presiding over the case who will decide whether to block the Trump-era policy change.

Jessica Lundberg

The Justice Department attorney defending the policy change in court.

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What they’re saying

“We'll just have to wait and see what the judge does.”

— Amanda Cialkowski, Attorney representing the school districts and teachers union

“The change 'deeply impacted' attendance because families did not feel safe in sending their children to school.”

— Brenda Lewis, Superintendent, Fridley School District

“Even under the old rules, enforcement action in and around schools was always a possibility.”

— Jessica Lundberg, Justice Department attorney

What’s next

Judge Provinzino said she will rule on the case 'as quickly as I can' but wants to ensure she 'gets it right'.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and the need for schools to be safe havens where all students can learn without fear. The policy change has had a chilling effect on school attendance, especially in districts with large immigrant populations.