School campuses in some parts of the United States have come under the spotlight following a change in federal policy that allows immigration enforcement actions in and around schools.Attorneys representing two Minnesota school districts and the state’s largest teachers union have asked a federal court to block the policy, arguing it affects students and school operations.The Fridley and Duluth school districts, along with Education Minnesota, filed a petition in United States District Court, seeking an injunction or preliminary injunction against the policy.
What changed in the policy?
The US Department of Homeland Security lifted earlier restrictions that limited immigration enforcement to “sensitive locations” such as schools, school bus stops, churches and hospitals.These locations were previously considered off-limits except in exceptional cases.The change gave federal immigration officials more room to conduct enforcement actions in and around schools.
What is the argument of the case?
Districts and the union challenged the policy in February, during a federal enforcement campaign known as Operation Metro Surge.He told the court that the change had affected attendance and created fear among students and families.Amanda Sialkowski, an attorney representing the districts and the union, said it was unclear whether any order would apply beyond Minnesota or extend to other locations.“We’ll just have to wait and see what the judge does,” he said. A.P Reports
Arguments in court
The hearing before Judge Laura Provenzino focused on whether the districts and the union have standing to challenge the policy and whether they were directly affected.Justice Department attorney Jessica Lindberg argued that reinstating the earlier guidance would not significantly change enforcement.He said that “replacing” the current guidance with previous guidance would have no meaningful impact, noting that implementation closer to schools was always possible. A.PJudge Provenzino said she would issue a decision soon. “I will govern as soon as I can… but also make sure I get it right,” she said.
Effects on schools
School officials said attendance dropped after policy changes and enforcement actions.Fridley Superintendent Brenda Lewis said the change had a “profound impact” on attendance, as families did not feel safe sending children to school. A.PHe said the district transitioned some students to virtual learning and reported losing 72 students since December. Some students moved to other districts, some left the country and some were in detention centers.In Duluth, Superintendent John Magas said the district began to see the effects before the enforcement actions reached the area.
Date of Attendance
The data shows an increase in absenteeism in Twin Cities area districts. In St. Paul, in mid-January, more than a quarter of the district’s more than 9,000 students were absent.Similarly, Minneapolis Public Schools recorded more than 8,000 absences on the last school day in January, about 30 percent of students. Fridley schools reported a nearly one-third drop in attendance, according to court filings.The policy change is part of a broader immigration enforcement effort under the administration of Donald Trump.The issue has also come up in broader discussions between lawmakers and the administration over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.The court’s decision on the application for injunction is awaited.
