Brennen Brothers, news editor

Since Pres. Donald Trump was sworn into office on Monday, Jan. 20, he has signed multiple executive orders. Many of these orders have been immigration related, in an effort from the new administration to crack down on undocumented migrants within the United States. 

The Department of Homeland Security has also revoked a policy which protected people in “sensitive zones,” including schools, hospitals, churches and women’s centers. With the policy in place, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would only be able to enter these zones with certain exceptions, said the MinnPost. According to the BBC, on Thursday, Jan. 23, ICE statistics showcased that over 1,000 people were repatriated. The Department of Defense has stated that they will lend military aircrafts that could deport over 5,000 people that have been detained in San Diego and El Paso, Texas by Border Patrol. 

Additionally, Native News noted increasing reports of ICE agents forcing Native Americans to prove their citizenship status. Holly James, a Department of Children and Family Services spokesperson, claimed, “We have received so many calls for tribal IDs. Right now, with the number of inquiries coming in, it will take until April to fulfill the requests.”

The MinnPost asked Minneapolis and St. Paul schools what they would do if ICE arrived. Both districts responded that they would be relying on existing visiting policies. St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is also training staff, principals and security on what to do if ICE were to enter the school. Law enforcement would need to contact the principal, site administrator or designee for permission to enter the school.

This sentiment was echoed by Augsburg’s Director of Public Relations and Internal Communication Rachel Farris in an interview with Echo. She stated, “Current university guidelines direct individual staff or faculty members to contact Augsburg administration and the Department of Public Safety if they encounter law enforcement officials on campus.” Farris also mentioned that law enforcement would not be able to enter any non-public areas of the campus. Augsburg Professor Audrey Lensmire also shared in an interview with Echo, “We know that when teachers do not have accurate information about federal, state, and local immigration policies it can have a negative effect on their job satisfaction which would undoubtedly impact students.” Lensmire hopes that teachers are able to have accurate information to support students.

The MinnPost shared a statement from the SPPS that students should talk to a social worker or a trusted staff member with any concerns. They also reminded families to update emergency contact information and see resources which include the city of Saint Paul Immigration Resources, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.