John,

This week, we witnessed unconscionable acts of violence by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Minnesota—including the murder of Renee Nicole Good, the unjust detention of an AFT-member educator and use of pepper spray on school property where students and teachers were gathered. These disturbing moments have understandably shaken many of us across the country.

ICE’s presence in our communities has made people less, not more, safe. As was put on clear display this week, their reckless and unchecked operations are endangering the safety and well-being of students, educators and families. That’s why ICE must be kept away from our schools.

Education Minnesota is working to keep ICE out of schools. You can support the union right now by signing their petition here or by contacting your member of Congress to tell them that what ICE did at schools in Minneapolis is unacceptable.

Not only has ICE put school communities in physical danger, their operations have also undermined the ability of students to learn and our educators to do their jobs. The terror ICE has inflicted on communities has caused untold fear and distress.

Our members and affiliate leaders from coast to coast have been on the frontlines over the past year to protect our students and schools. In Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Sackets Harbor, New York City and so many more places, we’ve been supporting our local unions and members as they faced occupations and raids. ... Now, we support Education Minnesota in its important work to support members and keep students and schools safe by lifting up their calls to respect protections for sensitive locations and keep ICE away from schools.

This is an issue the AFT has been active on since Day 1, sending a letter to President Trump in January 2025 when his administration first proposed the idea of rescinding sensitive location protections, to our lawsuit raising the legality of ICE going into schools and hospitals, to supporting the courageous efforts of local members to do the same in communities across the country.

I’m encouraged by those who have taken a stand through nonviolent action in protest of ICE across the country this week. The solidarity is palpable, and it is powerful. This is a moral moment to come together as Americans around the principle that schools and communities must be safe and welcoming places.

So, please support this call to demand ICE respect sensitive locations and stay away from schools.

In solidarity,
Randi Weingarten
AFT President

P.S. The AFT has resources for communities targeted by ICE, including “Know Your Rights” information and a checklist for a family immigration emergency plan. You can find them at aft.org/immigration.