Former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura visited Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis to support staff following a tense confrontation involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Incident Overview at Roosevelt High School
The conflict occurred on January 7, when ICE agents attempted to detain a worker outside the school. Reports indicate that pepper spray was used during the incident, which escalated as a crowd gathered, including students.
The Minneapolis Public Schools confirmed the occurrence, stating they were reviewing the situation. Videos circulated online showed chaotic scenes as tensions flared at dismissal time.
Details from the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement explaining that ICE officers were conducting immigration operations. A U.S. citizen reportedly interfered, leading to a series of reckless actions, including a vehicle chase that endangered public safety.
- The chase spanned approximately 5 miles.
- Traffic lights were ignored, and the pursuit entered a school zone.
- The situation escalated when a teacher allegedly intervened, resulting in physical altercations with ICE agents.
DHS emphasized that the school, students, and staff were not the targets of the operation. They clarified that crowd control measures were implemented to ensure safety.
Jesse Ventura’s Visit and Support
Following the incident, Jesse Ventura expressed his support for the school community during his visit. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, he aimed to reassure staff and students impacted by the event.
Ventura commended the school’s personnel for their actions, stating that they exemplified the principles of law and constitutional rights. He criticized the disregard for the U.S. Constitution and discussed the broader context of public safety in light of recent violent incidents in Minneapolis.
Community Response
The Minneapolis Federation of Educators also issued a statement expressing concern over the situation and highlighting the need for a thorough investigation. Ventura’s appearance sparked conversations about the implications of such encounters between law enforcement and educational environments.
This unpredictable event at Roosevelt High School reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety. The school’s management continues to address the fallout from the incident while advocating for the well-being of its students and staff.
