Minnesota HS Goes Full 1984, Threatens to Punish Students for ‘Wrongthink’ About ICE

A Minnesota high school principal has warned parents that students could face discipline, including suspension, for comments that praise Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or reference President Donald Trump’s deportation policies in ways school officials say conflict with the school’s values.

Paul Paetzel, principal of Edina High School, outlined the policy in a letter sent to parents, stating that references to ICE or immigration enforcement that cause fear or humiliation among students would not be tolerated.

Edina High School, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Edina, enrolls more than 2,700 students in grades nine through 12 and is widely regarded as one of the highest-performing public high schools in the country.

In the letter, Paetzel said the school was taking a proactive approach to shaping what he described as its culture and expectations around student behavior and language.

“I want to speak directly and proactively about the culture we are committed to creating at Edina High School,” Paetzel wrote.

“As we continue to grow as a community, it is essential that we are clear about the expectations we hold for language and behavior that honor the dignity of every student.”

Paetzel specifically addressed references to immigration enforcement, warning that such remarks could violate school policy.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“Making light of immigration threats or referencing ICE in ways that cause fear or humiliation is a serious offense and not representative of our core values,” he wrote.

“Behavior of this nature fundamentally violates our commitment to providing a safe and equitable learning environment free from harassment.”

He continued by saying that comments viewed as inconsistent with the district’s mission would result in disciplinary action.

“Such language and behaviors directly contradict Edina Public Schools’ vision and mission, and what we expect of our students,” Paetzel wrote.

“If this type of behavior occurs, we will honor the discipline policy and move forward with consequences up to and including suspension.”

Paetzel concluded the letter by stating that school officials believe they have a responsibility to intervene.

“Our responsibility is to protect every student’s right to feel safe, respected, and valued at school,” he wrote.

OMG

.@edinaschools principal promises to SUSPEND students if they talk positively about ICE.

Unreal https://t.co/Ko9R2hptzE pic.twitter.com/OxrZPFPXZe

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 14, 2025

The letter has drawn attention as debates over immigration enforcement and deportation policies continue nationally and within Minnesota.

President Trump has made mass deportations and stricter immigration enforcement a central focus of his administration, drawing both support and criticism across the country.

The controversy also comes as Minnesota faces increased scrutiny over immigration-related issues, including investigations into large-scale fraud schemes involving public programs.

Thousands of Somalis, many of whom are reported to be residing in the United States illegally, were recently found to have committed major Social Security fraud in cases tied to state oversight.

The issue has intensified political debate in the state, particularly given Minnesota’s large and concentrated Somali population.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in the most recent election cycle, has defended his administration’s approach to immigration and has rejected criticism tied to fraud investigations.

Walz has argued that blame for systemic problems lies elsewhere and has continued to advocate for welcoming additional immigrants.

“We are going to defend our neighbors,” Walz said at a fundraiser last week.

“Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we’re going to do more to welcome more in.”

BREAKING: Gov. Tim Walz was asked if he thinks Somali leaders need to hold their own accountable.

Walz: “A lot of white men should be holding a lot of white men accountable.” pic.twitter.com/lbL9jNpQsB

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) December 12, 2025

Walz’s remarks and the broader immigration debate have heightened tensions in communities and institutions across the state, including public schools.

Critics argue that disciplinary policies like the one announced at Edina High School risk suppressing political speech and viewpoints that support federal immigration enforcement.

Supporters of the policy say the school is attempting to prevent intimidation or harassment tied to immigration issues.

Edina Public Schools officials have not released additional guidance clarifying how the policy will be enforced or how administrators will distinguish between prohibited conduct and protected speech.

The district has also not specified whether the policy applies to classroom discussions, informal student conversations, or both.

As immigration enforcement remains a defining political issue nationally and in Minnesota, the situation at Edina High School highlights how those debates are increasingly playing out in local schools, raising questions about student expression, discipline, and the role of public education in addressing controversial political topics.