Minneapolis Schools Cancel Classes After Border Patrol Detains Outside Roosevelt High

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes district-wide Thursday and Friday, citing safety concerns following a deadly ICE shooting earlier Wednesday and a chaotic confrontation involving U.S. Border Patrol agents near Roosevelt High School during dismissal.

The district said the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” after incidents around the city on Wednesday.

All MPS-sponsored programs, activities, athletics, and Community Education classes, including adult education, were also canceled. The district said it would not move to e-learning because state rules only allow that option for severe weather.

According to reporting by MPR News, armed U.S. Border Patrol agents were present on or near Roosevelt High School grounds during dismissal Wednesday afternoon, where witnesses and school officials said officers tackled people, used pepper spray and pepper balls, and handcuffed two school staff members.

A school official told MPR News that agents entered school property despite being asked to leave and that students witnessed the confrontations. Some students reportedly sheltered at a nearby library.

Armed, masked officers with apparent Border Patrol insignia were seen detaining individuals on a sidewalk outside the school as bystanders shouted and blew whistles.

One agent reportedly pushed a bystander, identified as 47-year-old Kate Winkel, to the ground after telling her to leave the street.

Winkel told MPR News she saw agents physically confront school staff, parents, and others near the school and said law enforcement activity should not occur on school grounds during dismissal.

The school cancellations also followed the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman earlier Wednesday by an ICE agent, an incident federal officials claimed was self-defense.

City leaders and witnesses have disputed that account, and the shooting has sparked protests and heightened tensions across the city.

Minneapolis Public Schools said it would continue working with the city of Minneapolis and other partners on emergency preparedness and response.