Minnesota educators and school administrators reported a significant decrease in student attendance and academic focus following a federal immigration enforcement initiative known as "Operation Metro Surge." The three-month operation, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) starting in December 2025, involved the deployment of thousands of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to the Twin Cities area and surrounding communities.
The operation led to more than 4,000 arrests and the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Human Rights Watch reported in June that nearly two out of three immigrants arrested had no prior U.S. criminal history. Educators stated that federal agents used school perimeters and neighborhood drop-off zones as surveillance stakeouts, which they say created a climate of fear that disrupted learning and preparation for state standardized tests.
Data from Sahan Journal and MPR News showed that midyear enrollment across 29 Minnesota school districts and charter schools with high populations of English language learners fell by approximately 1,700 students between October 2025 and March 2026. This was a sharp increase from the previous year, which saw a decline of fewer than 80 students during the same period. Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts each lost nearly 500 students midyear, and Fridley Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Lewis reported that student dropouts due to 15 consecutive unexcused absences tripled compared to the previous year.
The DHS defended its tactics, stating that agents do not target schools but may conduct arrests near them to protect public safety if a "dangerous illegal alien felon" or "child sex offender" is present. A spokesperson told The Independent that law enforcement officers are facing an 8,000% increase in death threats and that those who are legally present and law-abiding have "nothing to fear." However, teacher Mandi Jung reported that students experienced "mass psychosis" and heightened anxiety, while other teachers noted students crying during class or withdrawing from participation.
The disruption is expected to be reflected in state standardized test results, specifically the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) for grades 3 through 8 and high school. Education Minnesota President Monica Byron stated that while the state is not expected to pause its accountability system, the results must be viewed in the context of the federal government's actions. Teachers noted that some students shut down digital exam software or clicked through questions without reading them.
The long-term effects involve a potential strain on mental health resources in a state that Byron said already faced a shortage of such services for children. To address the trauma reported by both students and staff, Education Minnesota has partnered with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers to provide counseling and mental health training for educators. The full extent of the academic and social fallout will become clearer later in September 2026, when the Minnesota Department of Education is scheduled to release the official 2025-2026 assessment data.