ICE Raids Continue in Minnesota, Disrupting Families and Students

The Trump administration deployed more than 3,000 federal immigration agents to Minnesota in what officials call 'Operation Metro Surge.'

“This story was produced as part of ThreeSixty Journalism’s 2026 Capitol Reporting Workshop for Minnesota youth, with financial support from the St”

Sahan Journal

This campaign has drawn intense opposition and protests after violent confrontations between civilians and federal agents.

Sahan Journal

Several people were shot during incidents connected to the operation, with two fatalities killing Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

Federal immigration officials have been in these hospitals, with reports of ICE agents covering up hospital security cameras in the ER, racially profiling workers, and shackling patients.

The University of Minnesota has become a focal point of community concern about ICE presence on campus.

Children have witnessed family members being arrested and deported, with one teenager describing how she had to 'step up as a big cousin to watch my little cousin, who had to see her father be taken.'

Families have become isolated, with many choosing to stay home entirely rather than risk encounters with ICE agents.

The American Prospect

The Karen refugee community has been particularly hard hit, facing additional stress after the Department of Homeland Security terminated temporary protected status for Karen refugees at the end of January.

Community members have responded by establishing mutual aid networks, carpooling with immigrant co-workers, and organizing neighborhood patrols to support vulnerable families.

ICE operations have severely disrupted Minnesota's education system, forcing school districts to close and causing widespread absenteeism.

“Outside Coffman Union on March 3, The University of Minnesota’s Students for a Democratic Society protested Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence in Minnesota and on campus,despite reports that Operation Metro Surge ended”

The Minnesota Daily

Minneapolis Public Schools closed for two days and St. Paul Public Schools closed for three to prepare for virtual learning options during the height of the operation.

Attendance rates dropped as much as 60% in some schools as families chose to keep children home rather than risk exposure to ICE raids.

One St. Paul student whose parents came as Karen refugees had to pause schoolwork and group projects, leaving them to classmates who could attend in person.

The educational disruption extends to higher education as well, with University of Minnesota students expressing concerns about campus safety and the institution's failure to adequately address their fears about ICE presence.

The immigrant community and their allies have mounted a robust cultural and artistic resistance to ICE raids in Minnesota.

Musician Bruce Springsteen released 'Streets of Minneapolis,' a song directly addressing the ICE occupation and acknowledging the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Sahan Journal

The song has resonated deeply with Minneapolis residents, many of whom felt 'very seen' and 'very touched' that someone of Springsteen's caliber would speak out.

Springsteen made a surprise appearance at Minneapolis First Avenue Venue on Jan 30 and will perform again at Target Center on March 31.

The University of Minnesota community has responded through satire, with memes depicting former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Healthcare institutions in Minnesota have been deeply affected by ICE operations, with hospitals reporting disruptions to patient care and staff safety.

“This article is published in partnership with the Center for Media and Democracy”

The American Prospect

Federal immigration officials have been present in hospitals, creating an environment where patients with infections waited until their conditions became severe enough to require ICU stays.

The American Prospect

The health impacts may never be fully quantified for years to come, according to healthcare professionals.

Fairview Health System has faced criticism from workers who claim the administration is not living up to its vision of being 'the most human-centered health care system.'

Fairview's board includes David Levy, senior executive in charge of government contracting at Amazon Web Services (AWS), which has received $64 million in payments from ICE since President Trump took office.

The Trump administration revoked federal protections that previously designated certain places as 'sensitive locations' where immigration enforcement was limited.