Minneapolis shuts public schools following ICE action and clashes near high school campus

Public schools in Minneapolis are closed through the end of the week following a confrontation between U.S. Border Patrol agents, students and staff near Roosevelt High School.

The closure comes after a tragic shooting of a 37, year old mother by an immigration officer, which happened earlier in the day, and has created a lot of fear among students, families and educators.

According to a report by The 74, the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) district described the closure as a safety measure. Temporary online learning will begin next week and continue until February 12. Education officials said the decision was taken to protect students and staff amid growing tensions linked to federal immigration enforcement activity in the city.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former teacher, publicly supported the decision. He strongly criticised the presence of federal immigration agents near school campuses, warning that schools should not become sites of enforcement action. Speaking at a press briefing, Walz said conflicts involving law enforcement near schools risk serious consequences for children and undermine the learning environment.

What happened near Roosevelt High School

The school closure followed reports of chaos outside Roosevelt High School on January 7. Witnesses and local media said federal agents were involved in detentions near the campus, and some students and staff reported being caught in the disturbance. Parents said the situation created panic among students already shaken by news of the fatal shooting earlier that morning.

The woman who was killed, Renee Nicole Good, had just dropped her six-year-old child at school when she encountered immigration officers on a city street. Video footage circulating online shows agents approaching her vehicle. Authorities and witnesses have offered conflicting versions of what happened next. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said an agent fired in self-defence, while community members dispute that account.

DHS also denied claims that tear gas was used near the school and said agents were responding to a violent situation involving a vehicle. However, students and parents told The 74 that the presence of armed agents near the campus caused fear and confusion.

Students, parents describe fear and disruption

Students at Roosevelt High School said the events deeply affected their ability to focus on studies. A senior student quoted by The 74 said she was less concerned for herself and more worried about classmates and teachers from immigrant families. Parents echoed these concerns, saying children returned home distressed after hearing about both the shooting and the enforcement activity near school grounds.

One parent said students who had already left campus before agents arrived were still shaken after learning what had happened. Several families said the incident changed how safe their children felt attending school.

Faith leaders and community organisers also reported that parents were afraid to drop off or pick up children, especially teenagers who might be mistaken for adults by enforcement officers. Some families reportedly stopped children from travelling alone or using public transport.

Wider impact on schools and attendance

The impact extended beyond one school. Several district and charter schools with large immigrant populations advised families to keep children at home. According to local school board members, absenteeism rose sharply, with many students not attending classes due to safety concerns.

Some charter schools serving immigrant communities temporarily closed, while others changed transport arrangements to avoid public buses. Nearby school districts held emergency discussions on attendance rules, as prolonged absences could affect student enrolment under state law.

Teachers said the mood in classrooms that remained open was tense. One educator described beginning lessons with calming exercises to help students manage anxiety. Reports also emerged of increased bullying, particularly against Somali students, adding to concerns about student wellbeing.

Education community response

Following the shooting, educators and parents organised support efforts for affected families. A fundraising campaign for Renee Nicole Good’s family raised more than $1 million within days, reflecting the scale of community response.

Education advocates told The 74 that the situation in Minneapolis highlights broader concerns about the impact of immigration enforcement on schools. They warned that when schools become associated with fear or surveillance, student learning and attendance suffer.Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!