When ICE is at the door, knowledge is peace. Equip families. Empower educators. Defend humanity.
Minnesota Update (January 2026): Reports indicate increased ICE activity and community response across Minnesota — especially the Twin Cities region. Stay grounded, share Know Your Rights resources, and connect with trusted local legal support. A federal judge has issued restrictions on certain DHS/ICE tactics toward peaceful protesters/observers in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Know your rights and stay safe.
After the Sensitive Locations Rescission (Updated May 2026)
On January 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the long-standing policy that limited immigration enforcement in or near schools, child care centers, churches, hospitals, and similar protected locations. It was replaced with an internal directive giving ICE agents discretion to enforce in those spaces using "common sense" (NILC factsheet).
A year and a half later, agents are not generally raiding school buildings, but enforcement has moved to the perimeter:
- Parents have been detained at school bus stops and on streets adjacent to schools (Chalkbeat).
- Communities report ICE vehicles circling elementary schools during arrival and dismissal.
- Average daily attendance has dropped in districts where parents fear pickup-line encounters.
- At least one state attorney general has sued a school district for adopting protective policies, and at least one district has revised its student-information policy in response (Chalkbeat — Indiana).
ICE is also rapidly expanding 287(g) agreements that deputize local police as immigration enforcement agents (ACLU). In jurisdictions with active 287(g) agreements, a traffic stop or school resource officer interaction can become an immigration enforcement encounter.
What this means for educators and families right now:
- Plyler v. Doe still guarantees every child's right to public education regardless of status. Schools cannot lawfully require proof of citizenship to enroll.
- Treat the entrance, parking lot, bus stops, and surrounding sidewalks as part of the school environment when planning response protocols.
- Review whether your local police participate in 287(g). If they do, school resource officer practices should be re-examined.
- See NILC's updated guidance for educators: Education Providers and Immigration Enforcement.
Minnesota Right Now
If you're in Minnesota, prioritize Know Your Rights resources, keep emergency contacts accessible, and connect with local legal support. If you witness enforcement activity, stay calm, document safely, and do not interfere physically.
How to Use This Resource Hub
- Families: Share Red Cards, hotline info, and escape routes — including a "what-to-pack" emergency kit template.
- Educators: Print KYR cards for colleagues, lead classroom dialogues using Learning for Justice or ImmSchools materials, and host a webinar or training.
- Advocates / Organizers: Hold KYR workshops if you are able.
- All of us: Defend families, know your rights, support equity.
Know Your Rights
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) — "Know Your Rights / Red Cards" Printable KYR "Red Cards" (multilingual) — great for classrooms, clinics, and community organizations. Visit ilrc.org and search "Know Your Rights" or "Red Cards." (Red Cards aren't legal advice.)
ACLU — Immigrants' Rights Guides on constitutional rights when interacting with ICE and law enforcement. aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights
Youth and Family Advocacy
United We Dream — Immigrant youth-led network offering resources for DACA, Know-Your-Rights, mental health, and policy advocacy. unitedwedream.org
Detention Support Hotlines
Freedom for Immigrants — National Immigration Detention Hotline
- From inside detention centers: Dial 9233# — toll-free, unmonitored, M–F 8am–8pm PT / 11am–11pm ET.
- For families & loved ones: Call (209) 757-3733 — M–F local support hours.
- freedomforimmigrants.org/hotline
Legal & Bond Support for Detained Families
Chicago Legal Protection & Immigrant Support — Through the Chicago Legal Protection Fund, NIJC partners with The Resurrection Project to provide free legal consultations, deportation defense, DACA help, asylum support, and more for immigrants living in Chicago.
Toolkit & Planning Resources
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative — Know Your Rights Toolkit Includes tutorial videos (7 languages), printable red cards (16 languages), family preparedness plans (8 languages), and KYR handouts. houstonimmigration.org/resource/know-your-rights-toolkit
Support for Educators & Schools
Learning for Justice (formerly Teaching Tolerance) — Resources to support undocumented and ELL students, immigration myth-busting, and inclusive classroom culture. learningforjustice.org/topics/immigration
ImmSchools — Immigrant-led nonprofit offering professional development and resources to make K–12 schools safe for immigrant students and families. immschools.org
School Preparedness Checklist
- Don't share student/family info without verifying legal requirements
- Front office script + who to call
- Staff KYR cards in multiple languages
- Review visitor policies + ID protocols (no racial profiling)
- Calm response plan for children if community disruptions occur