In brief
Attorneys for two Minnesota school districts and the state's teachers union have petitioned a federal judge to halt recent policy changes by the Trump administration, which permit more aggressive immigration enforcement at schools. With reports indicating a significant drop in student attendance as families fear deportation, the plaintiffs argue that the policy change impacts their ability to provide a safe educational environment. The court is set to decide on the matter as legal arguments are presented.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Attorneys for two Minnesota school districts and the state’s main teachers union asked a federal judge Wednesday to block a Trump administration policy change that gives immigration authorities greater latitude to enforce actions near schools. The Department of Homeland Security rescinded longstanding nationwide restrictions on enforcement in sensitive locations like schools, which allowed for off-limits status unless under extraordinary circumstances.The Fridley and Duluth school districts, along with the Education Minnesota union, filed a lawsuit to halt the new policy amid a significant increase in federal officer activity in the state. This shift was marked by the recent Operation Metro Surge, during which two citizens were killed in Minneapolis.The plaintiffs sought either a temporary stay or a preliminary injunction to restore previous protections, emphasizing that the changes severely affected attendance as families reported feeling unsafe sending their children to school. Attorney Amanda Cialkowski expressed concern over whether any ruling would extend beyond Minnesota or address similar sensitive locations, like hospitals and churches.Educational professionals nationwide have shared how immigration enforcement actions affect their students, detailing how fear and rumors of raids deter attendance. Recent cases indicate that immigrant families are avoiding school altogether due to safety concerns.The arguments presented in court highlighted complex legal questions concerning the right to sue and whether the districts showed direct harm from the policy change. A response from the federal attorneys stated that previous enforcement actions were always a potential under the old guidelines, making the lawsuits' claims less impactful.Judge Laura Provinzino noted the importance of a well-reasoned ruling and pledged to deliver her decision promptly. Both districts reported a marked rise in absenteeism since the implementation of the new rules, with calls for federal authorities to respect distances around educational institutions continuing amid legislative negotiations over Homeland Security funding.As of late January, attendance dropped sharply in Minneapolis Public Schools and Fridley, indicating a dire impact on their educational environment that may not be easily reversible.
