Overview
- U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino, who ruled Wednesday, rejected a preliminary injunction, so federal immigration agents can continue operating near Minnesota schools as the lawsuit moves ahead.
- Fridley Public Schools, Duluth Public Schools, and Education Minnesota sued after the Department of Homeland Security in January 2025 scrapped long-standing guidance that discouraged enforcement at “sensitive locations” such as schools and bus stops.
- Provinzino questioned whether the plaintiffs can show standing and said the guidance did not alter DHS’s power to act near schools, adding that any attendance drops may stem from broader enforcement fears rather than the policy shift alone.
- School leaders say increased ICE activity during February’s Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities led to sharp absences, including a 33% drop and two canceled school days in Fridley, which could also affect enrollment-based funding.
- DHS says agents do not target children and deploy near schools to apprehend criminals and protect students, while related cases over enforcement at houses of worship have won narrow injunctions that the government is now appealing.