Around 150 parents, students, and educators gathered at Lake Hiawatha Park in South Minneapolis on Friday morning to demand an end to ICE operations in their city. The demonstration followed the detention of an on-duty school staff member, a member of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators (MFE), at Roosevelt High School two days prior.
The incident at Roosevelt High School occurred just hours after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Minneapolis resident and mother Renee Good on January 7. According to the MFE, agents tackled and detained the school staff member during student dismissal. They also deployed a chemical irritant on school grounds, prompting students to shelter in a nearby library, a school official told MPR News on condition of anonymity.
Witness Christin Crabtree, a Minneapolis Public School (MPS) parent, described the scene at Roosevelt High School as one of “chaos and terror,” stating that federal agents created an “assault upon our students and community.” Natasha Dockter, a social studies teacher and MFE’s First Vice President, emphasized that “immigration enforcement should never under any circumstances be on school grounds,” asserting that students’ constitutional right to public education was violated.
In response to the events, Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for Thursday and Friday, and announced an option for remote learning through February 12, citing safety concerns. Parents are organizing support networks, including rides to school, food deliveries, and financial assistance for families impacted by ICE activity.
Amanda Otero, an MPS parent and co-director of TakeAction Minnesota, called for ICE to end its operations in Minneapolis and for accountability for agent Jonathan Ross. Parents are also advocating for a moratorium on evictions, recognizing that ongoing threats of ICE activity are preventing families from working and maintaining stable housing.
“In this city, we love each other,” said Crabtree. “Do not forget who we are. This is not our first time. And there are more of us than there are of them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the demonstration at Lake Hiawatha Park?
The demonstration was held in response to the detention of a school staff member at Roosevelt High School by ICE agents two days prior.
What actions did Minneapolis Public Schools take following the incident at Roosevelt High School?
Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for Thursday and Friday and offered remote learning through February 12, citing safety concerns.
What are parents and educators doing to support families affected by ICE activity?
MPS families are organizing rides to and from school, coordinating food deliveries, providing financial support, and patrolling school zones.
How might community responses evolve if ICE continues operations in Minneapolis?