A wave of anxiety swept through St. Paul this week, prompting a public charter school to abruptly shift to online classes and a community organization to issue urgent warnings to undocumented immigrants. The atmosphere is thick with fear, fueled by reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity.
Sejong Academy, a publicly funded school, announced it would move all instruction online for the remainder of the week, citing concerns for the “safety and well-being” of its students and staff. The sudden decision, communicated through a notice on the school’s website, offered no specific details about the nature of the threat, leaving many to speculate.
Simultaneously, Urban Village, a local community organization, released a video and statements advising those without legal documentation to stay home. The message was stark: avoid opening doors to strangers and remain vigilant, a direct response to escalating reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.
The organization’s video highlighted the particular vulnerability of Minnesota’s Myanmar community, with claims that members had been detained by ICE and U.S. Border Patrol. These individuals were reportedly transferred to out-of-state detention centers, and some allege they were pressured into signing away their legal rights.
Urban Village’s guidance extended to keeping children home from school, a recommendation that resonated with families already on edge. The resulting impact has been significant, with parents missing work, medical appointments cancelled, and children absent from their usual activities.
The timing of Sejong Academy’s decision to go online has raised questions about a possible connection to the heightened immigration enforcement and Urban Village’s warnings. While the school made no explicit reference to ICE activity, the coincidence has fueled speculation about a coordinated response.
Public records reveal Sejong Academy is heavily reliant on government funding, having received over $7 million in grants. This underscores its position as a publicly supported institution navigating a complex and sensitive situation.
The situation remains fluid, with a community bracing for further enforcement and seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty. The ripple effects of these events are being felt across families and institutions, highlighting the profound impact of immigration policy on daily life.
