Minneapolis schools offer remote learning while ICE operations continue

By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

Minneapolis Public Schools can choose remote learning for at least a month in the wake of the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer on Wednesday.

The school system sent emails to teachers Friday, say published reports, outlining the remote learning option while federal immigration enforcement efforts continue in the city.

The school district also stated that it is aware of an incident on Wednesday at Roosevelt High School involving federal law enforcement agents and is currently investigating.

That incident, according to media reports, happened around 3:30 p.m. when several agents descended on school grounds from unmarked cars as students and teachers were leaving school.

CBS News reported that the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that a U.S. citizen was trying to impede immigration operations and hit a government vehicle with his vehicle before leading agents on a 5-mile chase.

CBS also reported that Homeland Security said a teacher assaulted a border patrol agent and a crowd threw objects and paint at officers and their vehicles.

That incident happened less than 3 miles from the killing of Good, a 37-year-old mother of three.

“We are working with our partners including the city of Minneapolis and others to support the individuals directly impacted,” the district said in a statement.

Education Minnesota, an organization comprised of 477 local unions, called for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stay away from Minnesota schools.

“Yesterday’s actions by ICE in Minnesota – including the shooting of a community member, the unjust detention of a Minnesota educator, and the use of pepper spray on students – are unconscionable in a civil society,” the group said in a statement. “ICE’s continued operations make every Minnesotan less safe. Their presence near our schools puts students and educators at serious risk. We demand that ICE operations be kept away from schools so students, educators and staff can learn and work in safety and peace.”

CBS reported that Homeland Security said at no time was pepper spray used at Roosevelt.