Minnesota charter school moves classes online amid reported ICE activity; community group urges immigrants to stay home
In St. Paul, Minnesota, Sejong Academy, a taxpayer-funded Korean immersion charter school, shifted to online learning Jan. 14–15 citing concerns for the “safety and well-being” of its community amid reports of ICE activity and advisories from Urban Village.
- Sejong Academy moved to remote learning Jan. 14–15 for the “safety and well-being” of students and staff, then observed a scheduled professional development day.
- Urban Village advised noncitizens and people without green cards to stay home, avoid driving and limit contact amid reported immigration enforcement, causing disruptions in immigrant communities.
- It is unclear whether Sejong coordinated the shift to remote learning with Urban Village; the school’s notice did not mention immigration enforcement.
- Public filings show Sejong Academy reported receiving more than $7 million in government grants, underscoring its status as a taxpayer-funded charter school.
School decision and timeline
What happened: Sejong Academy posted a notice on its website that classes would switch to remote instruction on Jan. 14 and 15 for the “safety and well-being” of students and staff. The announcement did not detail a specific threat and made no explicit mention of immigration enforcement.
Context: Local media linked the timing to reports of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence in the area after social media posts and community advisories urged caution. The remote days preceded a planned staff development day on Friday.
Community organization response: Urban Village St. Paul
Urban Village posted video messages and Instagram statements advising people without legal status to remain home, avoid driving and limit contact because of what it described as immigration enforcement activity in St. Paul. The posts did not identify specific targets or confirm arrests.
“Stay home, avoid driving, limit interaction” — guidance from Urban Village that local organizers say generated fear and practical disruption.
Local reports and community members said the advisory led to missed work, skipped medical appointments and canceled activities — impacts that organizers especially noted within St. Paul’s Myanmar community.
Coordination questions and transparency
Unanswered questions: There is no public confirmation that Sejong Academy coordinated its move to remote learning with Urban Village or that the school acted directly because of reported ICE activity. The school’s notice referenced student safety but did not cite immigration enforcement or outside advisories.
Reporters have sought comment about whether the decision stemmed from reported enforcement; public statements from the school so far emphasize safety without additional detail. Parents and community members say the lack of explicit information created uncertainty about childcare, work and instructional continuity.
Funding and public accountability
Reporting referenced IRS filings reviewed by ProPublica and local coverage showing that Sejong Academy reported receiving more than $7 million in government grants. As a taxpayer-funded charter school, its operational decisions draw public attention and calls for transparency.
Advocates say when a publicly funded school changes operations for safety reasons, families and taxpayers expect clear, timely explanations about threats and protective measures.
Impact on the Myanmar community and other immigrant families
Local organizers reported that the advisory and reports of enforcement had a disproportionate effect on St. Paul’s Myanmar population. Parents working hourly jobs lost pay when staying home; families delayed health appointments and experienced difficulty accessing essential services.
This episode reflects a broader pattern: perceived immigration enforcement can cause fear that leads people to avoid services, skip school and withdraw from public life, even when enforcement is not publicly confirmed.
Implications for the Inland Empire, California
Economic impact
The Inland Empire’s large population of hourly workers and immigrant residents could face similar risks if local advisories urge people to stay home: lost wages, reduced local commerce and staffing challenges for employers.
Political consequences
Sudden school schedule changes by taxpayer-funded institutions can raise questions about transparency and accountability that local officials and school boards must address to maintain trust. The incident may also feed local debates over immigration enforcement and public safety.
Social effects
Advisories that trigger fear can deter residents from seeking medical care, legal help or schooling. Nonprofits, faith groups and health providers may see increased demand for reassurance, outreach and multilingual information.
Cultural relevance
Disruptions to children’s schooling and parents’ ability to work touch core priorities in immigrant communities. Clear, culturally competent messaging that emphasizes children’s safety, legal rights and available supports is critical.
Practical applications for residents
- Preparedness: Families should have contingency plans for sudden closures, including childcare and remote-learning access.
- Know-your-rights: Keep contact info for local legal aid, immigrant-rights groups and school liaisons readily available.
- School transparency: Parents can press school districts and charters for clear communication about safety decisions while respecting confidentiality and community safety.
Source summary and links
This article is based on reporting that cited a notice on Sejong Academy’s website and statements by local community group Urban Village, as reported in local media. Sources include FOX News and WCCS Radio.
Linked source references:
- FOX News — “Taxpayer-funded Minnesota charter school shuts down in-person learning amid ICE raids”
- WCCS Radio — “Taxpayer-funded Minnesota charter school shuts down in-person learning amid ICE raids”
Reporting note: Preserve all original facts and URLs. The school’s announcement did not explicitly reference immigration enforcement; community advisories and local reporting connected the timing to reported ICE activity.
