Here at Roseville Area Middle School, there are so many people who are afraid to come to school because of the constant threat of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This isn't just our school, either—it’s affecting families all across Minnesota. There are less people coming to school and work than ever before, and it’s all because of fear and hate.

Schools should be safe places to learn, grow, and connect, not places where us kids feel scared and unsafe. As students and community members, it is our responsibility make sure that everyone, no matter their immigration status, feels safe and protected in our schools.

According to a report by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, ICE arrests of non-criminal immigrants were up by 66% in recent years. ICE is detaining people who have done nothing wrong, people who we know and care about. This is not okay. 

Therefore, we as fellow students are asking for you all to reach out and share your stories. Our voices need to be heard in this difficult time, and we can only work through this if we all work together. Help to offer your support to people you know who are afraid to come to school because of what ICE is doing, and to their families. Not just the people who are absent, but also those who are being extremely brave and coming despite what’s going on.

Don’t be afraid to help out your neighbors. Donate to food shelves that are distributing food to families who need it as you are able, and help us to get ICE out of our state. We need to have a safe place to shop for groceries, go to school, and live in peace. Be sure you know your rights—ICE officers are not allowed to come in your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. If they demand to enter your house or threaten to barge in, you and your families aren’t legally required to respond at all. Make sure you and your family know how to protect yourselves in the possible situation. 

Let’s come together to prioritize safety and community in our schools and everywhere else. Sign this petition to help us make sure that Minnesota schools stay safe, secure, and welcoming environments for everyone. Help us stand together to empower and protect our future. If we work together, we can get through this and come out stronger.

~Ella, Ryeli, Nina, Isa, Natalia, Carly, Caia, Kelsey, Gia, and Grace

8th graders, Roseville Area Middle School (RAMS)