Minneapolis Families Remain Wary Despite ICE Drawdown Promise

Many students continue remote learning as community fears linger after years of heightened immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Although U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is expected to remove around 100 agents from the Twin Cities area by Monday, many Minneapolis families are not letting their guard down and are continuing to have their children attend school remotely due to ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement in their community.

Why it matters

The continued hesitation of Minneapolis families to send their children back to in-person schooling highlights the lasting impact that heightened immigration enforcement has had on immigrant communities, even as the federal government promises to scale back its presence in the region. This reflects broader challenges in rebuilding trust after years of fear and uncertainty.

The details

Minneapolis Public Schools have been working to encourage families to return to in-person learning, but many remain wary despite the planned ICE drawdown. Community advocates say the trauma and distrust built up over years of aggressive immigration raids and deportations has been difficult to overcome, leading families to err on the side of caution when it comes to their children's safety.

  • ICE is expected to remove around 100 agents from the Twin Cities area by Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Collin Beachy

Chair of the Minneapolis Public Schools board.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The lingering fear and distrust in Minneapolis' immigrant communities, even as federal immigration enforcement is scaled back, underscores the lasting impact of aggressive policies and the challenges in rebuilding that lost sense of safety and security.