A Minnesota school principal circulated a warning email to students and families last week threatening punitive action for anyone who spoke ‘lightly’ about ICE immigration raids.
Edina High School Principal Paul Paeztel claimed that discussion of ICE immigration raids with positive regard or with humor “violated the Edina Public Schools’ mission and vision, and what [they] expect from [their] students.”
In the letter, Paetzel cautions that the school will execute disciplinary policy up to and including school suspension for anyone in violation of what they deem as inappropriate talk about ICE and immigration.
This letter comes in the midst of ICE’s Operation Metro Surge in the Greater Minneapolis area starting on December 1, 2025. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the operation has resulted in over 400 arrests.
“During Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, ICE has arrested more than 400 illegal aliens including pedophiles, rapists, and violent thugs. These vicious criminal illegal aliens were allowed to roam Minnesota’s streets thanks to sanctuary policies,” the Homeland Security said in a press release.
ICE’s public raids have been a point of contention around the country, including Minnesota. (RELATED: Wisconsin’s Reading Emergency: Schools Failing Thousands of Kids)
While Paetzel’s policy is meant to reflect a supportive learning environment, it is being criticized by some online concerned about how the new guidelines will affect students.
Paeztel was selected as the permanent principal for Edina High School in January 2024 after fifteen years of serving as the Wayzata East Middle School principal and the Edina High School interim principal shortly after that. (RELATED: State Failed to Warn Slender Man Victim Her Attacker Escaped)
In a statement about Paeztel’s appointment in January 2024, Superintendent Dr. Stacie Stanley said “[Paetzel] is a respected leader with integrity, empathy, and a strong ability to listen and build relationships across stakeholder groups.”
