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Columbia Heights board details community response after increased immigration enforcement; district leaders to testify at state Capitol
Summary
Board members and the superintendent described community fear after local immigration enforcement actions, recounted a packed city listening session, and said district leaders will testify at the state Capitol; board discussed advocacy and support for affected students and families.
Board members, district leaders and a student representative described the emotional toll on Columbia Heights after recent immigration enforcement in the area and outlined steps the district has taken to support students and press lawmakers for relief.
Jessica, the board’s liaison to the city, said a city-organized listening session that included the mayor and police chief filled the room and ran nearly three hours. “It was really powerful and heartbreaking, to hear, personal stories of the impacts of this on our community,” she said, and thanked the city for giving people time to share. She also urged community members to use a special-election polling place April 14 at the Highlander Center.
Superintendent Stembe said the district initially resisted media attention but began speaking up after “our fourth student was taken and flown quickly to Texas for detention,” and that staff have continued to advocate for students since. The superintendent said district leaders and community coalitions lobbied in Washington, D.C., and plan to testify at the state Senate about the district’s experiences.
Board members said they will continue to coordinate with city officials, support families and pursue legislative remedies. The board’s vice chair described forming a legislative action team and posting a letter template and the district’s 2026 legislative priorities on the district website to help families contact elected officials.
The district also acknowledged national attention and offers of support. The superintendent said an artist had donated signed images whose proceeds will go to GoFundMe accounts established for students affected by the incidents.
The board did not take a formal action on policy changes during the presentation, but several members urged continued outreach to families and lawmakers. The meeting closed with plans for board members and staff to be at the Capitol on March 9 and for testimony the following day.
