URGENT UPDATE: District 518 officials have swiftly addressed alarming rumors regarding an alleged presence of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in the Worthington community. Superintendent Joel Heitkamp confirmed that these claims are untrue, following a social media post that sparked widespread concern among students and families.
Heitkamp’s statement, released late Thursday afternoon, emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety. “We feel it is important to address a social media post that circulated yesterday and today regarding alleged ICE activity in Worthington involving students,” he stated. The superintendent reassured the community, saying, “District leadership has worked closely with our local partners to review these claims, and we can confirm that the statements made in that post are not true.”
This clarification comes on the heels of a tragic incident earlier this week, where individuals associated with ICE were involved in a shooting in South Minneapolis, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old woman. The violence has led to peaceful protests in the affected neighborhood and across various locations in the Twin Cities, raising tensions and concerns regarding ICE’s role in the community.
Additionally, reports from Rochester, located in southeast Minnesota, indicated an increased ICE presence in their area, further exacerbating fears among residents about potential immigration enforcement actions.
District leadership is urging families to remain calm and focused on education. Heitkamp concluded, “We are committed to supporting our students and families and to ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.”
As this situation develops, community members are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and any new information will be promptly communicated.
What to Watch For: Stay tuned for updates as officials continue to assess the impact of recent events and the community’s response. Engaging with your local representatives and school officials can provide further clarity and reassurance during this uncertain time.
