Blocking DHS and ICE Activity Near Schools

On February 4, 2026, a coalition of Minnesota school districts and educators filed a lawsuit seeking to block the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration enforcement activity in or near public schools.

The lawsuit challenges DHS’s recent decision to remove longstanding protections that limited immigration enforcement activities at “sensitive locations,” such as schools. The suit alleges that since December 2025, following the launch of a federal initiative known as “Operation Metro Surge,” immigration enforcement activity has expanded rapidly across Minnesota, including in and around public schools. 

According to the complaint, this removal of longstanding protections has led to school closures, activity cancellations, or a transition to remote learning. Plaintiffs argue that the federal actions have disrupted education, endangered students, and driven families away from classrooms. They argue that the threat of enforcement near schools has created a chilling effect that extends to entire school communities and undermines access to public education. 

The complaint describes multiple incidents in which federal agents appeared near school buildings, bus stops, and dismissal areas, causing widespread anxiety among students and educators. Plaintiffs allege that these actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional protections, and that DHS failed to adequately consider the educational and community impacts when it rescinded prior guidance limiting enforcement in sensitive locations.

The plaintiffs ask the court to declare this new immigration policy unlawful and block the agencies from acting on it.

Democracy Forward has successfully challenged ICE raids in houses of worship and ICE activity at sensitive locations.

The plaintiffs in this case include teachers’ union Education Minnesota, Duluth Public Schools (ISD 709), and Fridley Public Schools (ISD 14), and are represented by Democracy Forward, Zimmerman Reed LLP, Nilan Johnson Lewis PA, and The Law Office of Kevin C. Riach.