In the last week, school officials across the country have had to assess what they’d do if U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement agents show up on campus. 

This is because the Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security rescinded a policy protecting people from deportation when in “sensitive zones,” which include schools, churches and women’s centers. 

Under the sensitive zone policy, which was created in 2011 and expanded in 2021, ICE could only enter these designated zones in the case of certain exceptions like a threat of terrorism or imminent risk of death. The goal of the policy was to protect undocumented immigrants’ access to essential services like health care without the threat of being deported.

What would Minneapolis and St. Paul schools do if ICE agents come knocking? 

Both districts told MinnPost in emailed statements that they are leaning on existing policy about visitors, including law enforcement. St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is also providing training to staff, including principals and security personnel, on how to respond if ICE enters school property. 

Students are encouraged to talk to a counselor, social worker or other trusted staff member if they have any concerns, according to the SPPS statement. The district is also reminding families to update emergency contact information and to seek assistance from community resources if needed, including city of Saint Paul Immigration Resources, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. 

“The district is closely monitoring these developments and consulting with our city, county and state partners on the latest guidance,” the SPPS statement reads. 

The statement from Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) also said the district is monitoring federal announcements and consulting with partners to assess and respond accordingly. 

“MPS has policies and protocols in place regarding any school visitors, including law enforcement,” according to the MPS statement. 

As districts look at policy around ICE raids, it’s important to note schools cannot deny students admission based on their immigration status, per federal law. Districts also cannot legally ask students or families about their immigration status. 

St. Paul Public Schools 

Under SPPS current policy, only representatives of the St. Paul Police Department may be granted permission to see and interview students in school. 

Visitors to SPPS, including anyone who is not an enrolled student or staff member at the school, must report to the principal or other person in charge of the school building upon arrival. 

The district superintendent develops the procedures around interviewing and interrogation of students  by law enforcement officers while on school property. Private detectives and attorneys are not permitted to interview students while on school property.  

Minneapolis Public Schools 

Generally, students may not be released to law enforcement officers during the school day, though there are exceptions in the policy. 

Law enforcement officers other than those with the Minneapolis Police Department must coordinate attempts to arrest students at school with the district’s Office of Emergency Management, Safety and Security and/or the Minneapolis Police Department and the school administration, according to district policy. 

Law enforcement officers who seek entry into a school for official business must first contact the principal, site administrator or their designee for permission to enter the school unless exigent circumstances exist. Requests from law enforcement officers who seek entry into a school may also be relayed to the school administration through the district’s Office of Emergency Management.

All visitors to Minneapolis School District buildings and sites must register in the school building or designated site administration office and obtain a visitor’s badge.

Winter Keefer

Winter Keefer is MinnPost’s Metro reporter. Follow her on Twitter or email her at [email protected].

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