UPDATE: District 518 Superintendent Joel Heitkamp has confirmed that rumors regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Worthington, Minnesota are completely unfounded. This urgent clarification comes after a social media post from Mankato sparked alarming concerns within the community.
In a press release issued on Thursday afternoon, Heitkamp stated, “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 emphasized the district’s commitment to the safety of its students and families, reinforcing that the claims circulating online have been thoroughly reviewed and proven false.
The panic follows a tragic incident on Wednesday morning in South Minneapolis, where a shooting involving ICE personnel resulted in the death of a 37-year-old woman. This incident has ignited peaceful protests not only in Minneapolis but also in various neighborhoods across the Twin Cities and other regions of the country, raising tensions in communities already on edge.
In response to the unrest, officials in Rochester have reported an increased ICE presence in their southeastern Minnesota community, further fueling fears among local residents. Authorities are urging calm and reinforcing that the rumors regarding ICE’s presence in Worthington are baseless.
Heitkamp reiterated, “We are committed to supporting our students and families and to ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.” District leadership is actively collaborating with local partners to maintain a secure environment for education amidst these heightened concerns.
As the situation continues to develop, community members are encouraged to remain informed through official channels and to avoid spreading unverified information. The district is prioritizing open communication as it navigates this sensitive period.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities monitor the situation closely.
