Omaha Neighbors Send 200+ Valentine's Cards to Minnesota Students After ICE Raids

Downtown Omaha business owner organizes community effort to support students impacted by ICE detentions

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jessica Duggan, the co-owner of Kitchen Table in downtown Omaha, organized a community effort to collect over 200 handmade Valentine's Day cards for students at Columbia Heights Public Schools in Minnesota after learning that ICE had detained multiple students there. Duggan, who has a background in education, wanted to do something positive for the children impacted by the detentions.

Why it matters

The ICE raids on the Minnesota school have left many students feeling scared and unsupported. Duggan's card drive is a heartwarming example of a community coming together to show care and solidarity for students affected by the federal immigration enforcement actions.

The details

Duggan enlisted the help of neighbors and fellow business owners in downtown Omaha to collect over 200 handmade Valentine's Day cards. The cards were then packaged and mailed to the students in Minnesota, with the packages expected to arrive two days before Valentine's Day.

  • The card collection started in January 2026.
  • The packages were mailed and are expected to arrive in Minnesota on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Jessica Duggan

The co-owner of Kitchen Table, a restaurant in downtown Omaha, who organized the community effort to collect Valentine's Day cards for the Minnesota students.

Columbia Heights Public Schools

The school district in Minnesota where multiple students were detained by ICE, prompting the card drive.

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What they’re saying

“Like they're your kids. And when you want to do something nice for them, it matters.”

— Jessica Duggan, Co-owner, Kitchen Table (3newsnow.com)

“It's good. It matters. Again, just being able to do something positive. Hopefully, it warms up some kiddos' hearts that need a little hug —from Omaha.”

— Jessica Duggan, Co-owner, Kitchen Table (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

The packages containing the Valentine's Day cards are expected to arrive at the Minnesota school district on Thursday, February 13, 2026, two days before Valentine's Day.

The takeaway

This community-driven effort in Omaha to support students impacted by the ICE raids in Minnesota demonstrates the power of compassion and solidarity, even across state lines. The cards will provide a much-needed emotional boost for the students during a difficult time.