District 518 Denies ICE Rumors Amid Ongoing Safety Concerns

UPDATE: District 518 officials are urgently addressing rumors of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity related to students in Worthington, Minnesota. Superintendent Joel Heitkamp confirmed late Thursday that a viral social media post claiming ICE officers are present in the community is FALSE.

In a statement released just hours ago, Heitkamp emphasized the importance of dispelling misinformation. “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 said. The district’s leadership has actively engaged with local partners to investigate these claims, affirming that there is no truth to the allegations.

The urgency of this statement comes in the wake of heightened tensions following a tragic incident involving ICE agents that occurred on Wednesday morning in South Minneapolis, where a 37-year-old woman was shot and killed. This incident has sparked peaceful protests across the Twin Cities and beyond, as community members express their concerns over safety and immigration policies.

Officials in neighboring Rochester reported an increased ICE presence in their community, further fueling anxiety among residents. As protests continue to unfold, District 518 remains committed to the safety and well-being of its students and families. Heitkamp stressed, “We are committed to supporting our students and families and to ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.”

Parents and community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and to seek accurate information from reliable sources. As this situation develops, District 518 will continue to provide updates and support to ensure a safe educational environment.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.