Volunteers in Minneapolis have taken matters into their own hands, forming an informal patrol system to monitor streets surrounding local schools. The effort comes as federal immigration personnel have descended upon the Twin Cities, sparking fears among immigrant families and staff.
Eyewitnesses describe seeing dozens of adults lining the perimeters of schools like Green Central Elementary, scanning nearby streets for suspicious activity and alerting families and staff via walkie-talkies and signal group chats. Volunteers are also using whistles to warn of potential ICE encounters.
The patrols have been sparked by a recent surge in immigration enforcement activities, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," which has resulted in over 2,500 undocumented immigrants being apprehended in Minneapolis since November. The operation follows renewed scrutiny of a state fraud investigation involving individuals of Somali descent, fueling fears beyond those accused.
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials claim their actions are aimed at protecting children, many parents and educators say they're terrified of encountering law enforcement while coming and going from schools. Volunteers like Joe Dirkswager are taking it upon themselves to keep an eye on the streets, citing safety concerns for not disclosing more information.
"I mean, how horrifying that you would be kidnapped off the street while coming and going from school at all?" said Leah Hood, a university instructor who began patrolling Green Central Elementary this week. "But how much more horrifying and terrifying is it to think that that could happen and no one would see it, and no one would be able to attest to the fact that this is real, and they did this to you?"
As the patrols continue, local schools are taking steps to address the heightened anxiety. The Minneapolis Public School District has announced plans to offer online classes until February 12, while St. Paul Public Schools will provide a similar option and close several days next week for staff preparation.
Parents like Desiree, who have patrolled Green Central Elementary for weeks, say their children are frightened by the increased law enforcement presence. "It's not a mystery to them that something terrible is happening and that it's happening right around them," she said.
The community has rallied in response, with volunteers from different backgrounds standing together to support one another. Volunteers have been using social media to spread awareness about their efforts, and local officials have encouraged Minnesotans to "peacefully film ICE agents as they conduct their activities."
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear how long the patrols will last or whether federal immigration authorities will adapt their tactics in response.
Eyewitnesses describe seeing dozens of adults lining the perimeters of schools like Green Central Elementary, scanning nearby streets for suspicious activity and alerting families and staff via walkie-talkies and signal group chats. Volunteers are also using whistles to warn of potential ICE encounters.
The patrols have been sparked by a recent surge in immigration enforcement activities, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," which has resulted in over 2,500 undocumented immigrants being apprehended in Minneapolis since November. The operation follows renewed scrutiny of a state fraud investigation involving individuals of Somali descent, fueling fears beyond those accused.
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials claim their actions are aimed at protecting children, many parents and educators say they're terrified of encountering law enforcement while coming and going from schools. Volunteers like Joe Dirkswager are taking it upon themselves to keep an eye on the streets, citing safety concerns for not disclosing more information.
"I mean, how horrifying that you would be kidnapped off the street while coming and going from school at all?" said Leah Hood, a university instructor who began patrolling Green Central Elementary this week. "But how much more horrifying and terrifying is it to think that that could happen and no one would see it, and no one would be able to attest to the fact that this is real, and they did this to you?"
As the patrols continue, local schools are taking steps to address the heightened anxiety. The Minneapolis Public School District has announced plans to offer online classes until February 12, while St. Paul Public Schools will provide a similar option and close several days next week for staff preparation.
Parents like Desiree, who have patrolled Green Central Elementary for weeks, say their children are frightened by the increased law enforcement presence. "It's not a mystery to them that something terrible is happening and that it's happening right around them," she said.
The community has rallied in response, with volunteers from different backgrounds standing together to support one another. Volunteers have been using social media to spread awareness about their efforts, and local officials have encouraged Minnesotans to "peacefully film ICE agents as they conduct their activities."
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear how long the patrols will last or whether federal immigration authorities will adapt their tactics in response.
where ppl are literally takin matters into their own hands 2 keep their kids safe from what sounds like a total nightmare situation 
these volunteers r doin it b4 the gov even knows whats goin on & its SO inspiring 2 see them comin together 4 the greater good 
meanwhile our schools r gettin online classes 4 goodness sake ! 
why can't we just have a safe space 4 all ? 
We should be working with our local officials to make sure everyone is safe and included, not just relying on community watch groups to step in... 
i mean who wouldn't want 2 feel safe when they're just tryna drop off their kids at school? 
i think it's awesome that ppl from different backgrounds are coming together 2 support each other 
we should totes be giving a round of applause 2 all these amazing community members 
I was saying this earlier... isn't it wild that people are taking matters into their own hands like this? 
We need to be a community where everyone feels welcome and safe, no matter what their background is.
. I mean, isn't that what we're paying our law enforcement for? It's just a bunch of well-meaning but misguided folks trying to make a difference... without actually having the training or expertise to do so 
. And now schools are feeling anxious because of it? Like, how convenient 
. Meanwhile, these volunteers are putting themselves at risk and getting their families in trouble just for the sake of being vigilant 
. It's all about showing solidarity with the community... by taking matters into your own hands 
.
These volunteers are doing something so brave and selfless by taking matters into their own hands, it's honestly giving me LIFE 
. But at the same time, it's kinda concerning that people are taking it upon themselves to 'protect' the community in this way... I mean, what if someone gets hurt in a confrontation? 
And I feel bad for the parents and kids who have to deal with all this anxiety on top of already being worried about their immigration status 
like whats the point of havin these patrols if theyre just gonna be supplanted by ice raiding every other week 
. It's not fair that they have to take matters into their own hands just because of the government's actions 
. Can't we all just try to coexist peacefully? 
. I'm all for community action and standing up for one another, but let's not rush headlong into something that could spiral out of control 
. As a parent myself, I can only imagine how terrifying it must be for them to think they might get caught up in all this ICE drama while just trying to drop off their little ones at school 
. I'm so proud of them! But, like, what's the plan here? Is anyone gonna talk to these kids about what's going on? 
. The fact that parents are feeling so scared just because there's a surge in immigration enforcement activities is totally understandable. Can't we all just get along? 
.
, and I think schools should be taking more responsibility for creating a safe environment for all students, not just those with undocumented parents.
, though. It's like we're seeing a glimmer of resistance and community mobilization 
. And I'm with the volunteers who are just trying to stay safe and keep an eye on things - not being able to disclose info about their efforts isn't cool 
. But what's really concerning me is that these immigration actions feel like they're causing more harm than good 
