UPDATE: District 518 officials confirm that rumors of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Worthington are FALSE. Superintendent Joel Heitkamp addressed the urgent safety concerns following a viral social media post originating from Mankato that falsely claimed ICE officers were in the community targeting students.
In a press release issued late Thursday afternoon, Heitkamp emphasized, “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 reassured parents and students that the district has investigated the claims and found them to be untrue.
Heitkamp stated, “District leadership has worked closely with our local partners to review these claims, and we can confirm that the statements made in that post are not true. We are committed to supporting our students and families and to ensuring our schools remain safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.”
This clarification comes in the wake of a tragic incident on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, when ICE officers were involved in a shooting in South Minneapolis that left a 37-year-old woman dead. The aftermath of the shooting sparked peaceful protests throughout the Twin Cities and beyond, raising tensions and concerns in communities across the region.
In light of these events, Rochester officials have reported an increased ICE presence in their southeast Minnesota community, further fueling fears among residents. The situation remains dynamic as the community processes these recent developments.
District 518 urges families to remain vigilant and informed, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment. As the situation evolves, parents and students are encouraged to stay connected with school communications for accurate updates.
WHAT’S NEXT: Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local authorities and engage in discussions about safety and support within the district. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
