Duluth Schools Supt. says lawsuit against DHS is vital to protect students, education

DULUTH, Minn.– In an unprecedented legal move, the Duluth School District is suing the federal government to keep ICE agents off school grounds across the state.

“We believe in standing up for our neighbors, and whether it’s in the streets of Minneapolis or whether it’s standing up for the children in their playgrounds in Fridley or Columbia Heights, or any of the other districts that are being affected, it’s important for us to speak out too,” said Superintendent John Magas, Duluth School District.

Duluth Public Schools, Fridley School District, and Education Minnesota are behind the federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.

Magas said there is growing fear among families and students, which is creating a serious interference with education.

“We’re hearing about it from districts as far north as International Falls that they’re being significantly affected too. So, it’s not just a metro thing, it’s a statewide issue, it’s a national issue, and it’s something that we need to stand up for,” said Magas.

Magas is taking the lead against the Department of Homeland Security.

“I think no matter what your beliefs about immigration enforcement, I think it’s important for us to focus on schools as places of learning,” said Magas.

Magas said the decision to join forces in the lawsuit is not a political one, but rather a firm fight to protect students and their ability to learn.

“There have definitely been huge impacts in Duluth. We have a lot of students that are having really significantly increased anxiety. Grades are falling. We also have students that are not coming and not attending school,” said Magas.

The lawsuit is calling on the federal government to reinstate a decades-long policy that virtually banned law enforcement actions in and near schools.

The Department of Homeland Security removed that policy out in early 2025 it reads in part:

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”

While the focus of ice operations in Minnesota remains narrowed in on the Twin Cities, Magas said that doesn’t mean students in Duluth are not being negatively affected.

“We have probably 40 families that are pretty significantly affected. Also, when we think about our adult learners, we have adult English language learner classes, and those classes people have basically stopped attending because they’re concerned,” said Magas.

In response to concerns regarding the involvement of school districts, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released a statement:

“ICE is not going to schools to arrest children — we are protecting children. Criminals are no longer able to hide in America’s schools to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trust them to use common sense. If a dangerous illegal alien felon were to flee into a school, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect public safety. But this has not happened.”