Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Activities in Minnesota
Table of Contents
Immigration and Customs enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota have faced scrutiny and allegations of tactics that involve targeting individuals connected to undocumented immigrants, sometimes utilizing children as leverage. Thes actions have sparked concerns about due process, family separation, and the potential for abuse of power.
Allegations of Using Children as “bait”
The core allegation centers around ICE agents reportedly using information provided by children to locate and detain parents or other family members who are undocumented. this practice raises ethical and legal questions regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the potential violation of their rights.
In 2018, reports surfaced detailing instances where ICE agents questioned children, sometimes without parental consent or knowledge, about their parents’ immigration status.The ACLU of Minnesota documented several cases where children expressed fear and anxiety after being approached by ICE agents. These interactions reportedly occurred at schools, homes, and other locations frequented by families.
Legal and Ethical concerns
The practice of questioning children about their parents’ immigration status without proper safeguards raises several legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue that it violates children’s rights to privacy and due process, and that it creates a climate of fear within immigrant communities. Furthermore, it potentially violates the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
The Department of homeland Security’s Office for civil Rights and Civil Liberties investigated these allegations in 2019. A 2021 report by the DHS Office of Inspector General found that ICE did not consistently follow its own policies regarding interactions with children and that there were instances where agents failed to adequately assess the potential harm to children.
ICE’s response and Policies
ICE maintains that its agents follow established policies and procedures when conducting enforcement actions. The agency asserts that its primary focus is on apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety or national security. Though, critics argue that ICE’s policies are overly broad and that they allow agents to engage in tactics that are harmful to families and communities.
In 2011, ICE issued a memorandum outlining guidance for interactions with schools and students. ICE Policy Memorandum 11074.10 directs agents to avoid conducting enforcement activities at sensitive locations, such as schools, churches, and hospitals, unless there are exigent circumstances. Though, the memorandum does not explicitly prohibit agents from questioning children about their parents’ immigration status.
Recent Developments (as of January 26, 2026)
As of january 26, 2026, there have been no meaningful policy changes regarding ICE’s interactions with children in Minnesota. recent reporting by the Star Tribune indicates that community organizations continue to report instances of ICE agents approaching children and asking about their families. several lawsuits challenging ICE’s tactics are still pending in federal court. The Biden governance has stated its commitment to reviewing ICE policies and prioritizing enforcement actions against individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety, but concrete changes have been slow to materialize.
