UPDATE: District 518 officials have just confirmed that rumors of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Worthington are false. Superintendent Joel Heitkamp released a statement late Thursday afternoon, addressing concerns that have spread through social media regarding alleged ICE presence targeting students.
“We feel it is important to address a social media post that circulated yesterday and today regarding alleged ICE activity in Worthington involving students,” Heitkamp stated. He emphasized that the district has worked closely with local partners to investigate these claims, confirming that the statements made in that post are not true.
The urgency of this announcement follows a tragic incident earlier this week in South Minneapolis, where an ICE-related shooting left a 37-year-old woman dead. This event has sparked peaceful protests across Minneapolis and beyond, drawing attention to the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the region.
In a related note, residents of Rochester, located in southeast Minnesota, reported an increased ICE presence in their community. The situation has fueled anxiety among families, particularly in light of the recent rumors. Heitkamp reassured the community, stating, “We are committed to supporting our students and families and to ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.”
As of now, District 518 is actively monitoring the situation and encourages parents and community members to remain vigilant but calm. The district’s leadership is dedicated to transparency and will provide updates as necessary.
Parents and students are urged to reach out with any concerns, ensuring a united front in safeguarding the educational environment. As protests continue in various locations, the focus remains on community solidarity and safety.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as authorities continue to engage with the community regarding safety and immigration concerns.
