High-School Journalist Captures ICE Raids Amid Anxiety in Minneapolis
In early January, an incident in Minneapolis highlighted the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in school environments. On January 7, high school junior Lila Dominguez found herself in the basement of Roosevelt High School working on an article about an ICE agent shooting earlier that day. While she wrote, immigration enforcement agents appeared on school grounds, intensifying the already anxious atmosphere.
Impact of ICE Raids on School Community
Lila Dominguez, a dedicated student and budding journalist, was witnessing firsthand the disruption caused by the presence of ICE agents. She described feeling anxious and uncertain, stating, “I was just very overstimulated.” Concern for her classmates, friends, and family was palpable as she attempted to process the chaotic situation unfolding outside her school.
School Response and Community Anxiety
Shortly after ICE’s arrival, Minneapolis Public Schools responded by canceling classes for two days. The district also offered students the option to switch to virtual learning until mid-February. More students in the area began to feel the impact of ICE’s increased activities. One specific incident involved the detention of a parent at a bus stop in Crystal, Minnesota, further highlighting the pervasive anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement.
- Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for two days due to ICE presence.
- Students were given the option for remote learning through mid-February.
- Attendance dropped significantly across schools in the metro area.
- A parent was detained at a bus stop in Crystal.
The Role of Journalism in Times of Crisis
Determined to inform her peers, Dominguez wrote a powerful column with the headline “ICE Needs To Get Out Of Minneapolis.” Her words resonated beyond the school community, addressing a shared sentiment among residents impacted by federal enforcement actions. She expressed relief at being with her family, emphasizing the need for connection during tumultuous times.
As schools grappled with the fallout of these raids, lower attendance and heightened anxiety were reported. A charter school in Richfield resorted to remote learning after attendance dropped below 40%. Leaders in the Minneapolis school district recognized the psychological toll these incidents were taking on students.
Community and Educational Leaders Speak Out
Collin Beachy, chair of the Minneapolis Public School Board, voiced concern for student well-being, urging that “schools exist within communities.” He joined the call for ICE to refrain from targeting students and families, reiterating the need for a safe learning environment.
Student Activism and Campus Climate
In response to the turmoil, students across various schools, including Roosevelt, organized walkouts to protest the actions of ICE. Dominguez noted that the atmosphere in classrooms was not conducive to learning, with many students absent. Despite the challenges, she praised her school staff for their support amid the crisis.
As the situation evolves, the community continues to seek solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The impact of ICE’s presence is a pressing matter that affects educational experiences and overall community health.
