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Minneapolis Public Schools students returned from spring break this week as the district ended a temporary virtual option it launched in January. The purpose of that option was to sustain learning for students who were afraid to leave their homes during the surge of federal immigration agents to the state. More than 6,000 students used the virtual option at one point or another, according to the district.  

As they worked to support learning, educators raised concerns that immigrant students and students of color could experience a repeat of the academic losses and absenteeism that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Minnesota, students who miss 15 consecutive days of school are dropped from enrollment in a district, though they can be re-enrolled. The Minnesota Star Tribune 

 in early March that between Dec. 1, 2025, and the end of February 2026, 400 students in the district were dropped from enrollment, a 49 percent increase from the same period last year. 

MPS Director of Student Retention and Recovery Colleen Kaibel said it’s not clear how many of those drops were related to ICE and Border patrol activity, and some students who were dropped from enrollment earlier this year have since been recovered. Kaibel joined MPR News host Emily Bright to reflect on the impact of the surge on attendance and her office’s work going forward. 

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In Minnesota, students who miss 15 consecutive days of school are dropped from enrollment in a district. MPS Director of Student Retention and Recovery Colleen Kaibel said there are multiple factors impacting absenteeism and enrollment in the district. 

Minneapolis Public Schools works to reenroll students dropped during ICE surge

inside of a classroom in kindergarten with small chairs

Minneapolis Public Schools works to reenroll students dropped during ICE surge

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