Teachers' Union Demands ICE Withdraw as Schools Close in Minnesota

Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis

On January 9, 2026, Minnesota's Fridley and Minneapolis school districts were thrust into chaos, canceling classes due to unrest following the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Renee Nicole Good. The incident involved an ICE agent who shot Good after she allegedly drove her vehicle toward him, prompting widespread anger and protests across the city.

As the community grapples with this tragic event, calls for change have resonated deeply, particularly from educators who feel that the presence of ICE in schools threatens the safety of students and families. Catina Taylor, president of the Educational Support Professionals Chapter of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, articulated the union's stance: "We need ICE out of Minneapolis now. Since arriving, ICE has been a dangerous and out-of-control force putting every Minnesotan in danger."

The Community's Response

The protesting community expressed their outrage with chants demanding ICE's withdrawal during a demonstration close to the Whipple Building in Minneapolis. The protest came amidst fears that ICE's aggressive enforcement strategy exacerbated safety issues.

"A mother was murdered, an elementary school was forced to lock down. Grown men use pepper spray on terrified high school students on school property – and that was just on Wednesday." – Catina Taylor

Impact on Education

The immediate effect of these protests was significant: It prompted educators to cancel in-person classes across multiple districts, transitioning some to remote learning. Fridley Public Schools and Columbia Heights Public Schools announced they would not host in-person classes, joining Minneapolis Public Schools in the decision to prioritize student safety.

Response from Officials

In an appearance on “America's Newsroom,” Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reassured the public that law enforcement actions by ICE go through significant vetting and are only executed when necessary. She indicated that the agency maintains strict protocols to prevent intervention in schools unless there is a direct public safety threat.

However, McLaughlin's assurances did little to quell the anger. Families and educators demanded accountability, insisting that increased ICE presence in their communities jeopardizes the safety of students instead of ensuring it.

Education Standards Amidst Unrest

This turmoil comes at a time when Minnesota's educational system is already under scrutiny. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, less than half of Minnesota students in both fourth and eighth grades were able to demonstrate proficiency in math and reading in 2024. As the community fights for better conditions, educators wonder whether ICE's aggressive actions distract from pressing educational issues that have been persistent since the pandemic.

Calls for Unity

Amid the turmoil, the state's leadership called for calm. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a "Day of Unity" in memory of Good, urging for a moment of silence statewide to reflect on the implications of violence within the community and the pressing need for comprehensive immigration reform.

He stated, "As long as ICE is in Minnesota, we won't be safe. We must ensure that no one else suffers the tragic loss that the Good family has experienced. We need ICE to stay away from all of our schools, starting today." This sentiment has sparked a larger discussion about immigration policies, community safety, and how to protect vulnerable populations amidst a tense national landscape.

Looking Ahead

As tensions escalate in Minneapolis, I find myself reflecting on the broader implications of these events. The outcry against ICE's presence in schools reveals a deep-rooted concern about safety and systemic issues facing immigrant families. It prompts us to consider what adaptations are necessary in both local policing and national immigration policy to honor the educational sanctity that schools are reputed to provide.

Moving forward, how we handle these situations will lay the groundwork for community relations with law enforcement and civic officials. The urgency for reforms has never been more pronounced, but such change requires a concerted effort from all sides—from educators and parents to policymakers.