Columbia academy students return as ice fears ease

After months of virtual classrooms and heightened anxiety fueled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, nearly 200 students at Columbia Academy flooded back into classrooms Tuesday morning. The return marks a significant shift in the community’s atmosphere, a tentative step towards normalcy following a period of disruption and fear.

A 'gold carpet' welcome signals hope

The school welcomed students with a decidedly celebratory atmosphere, rolling out what principal Leslee Sherk described as a “gold carpet” and a balloon arch in school colors. It was an intentional gesture, Sherk explained, designed to visually communicate to students their value and the school’s longing for their presence. The hallways, once echoing with silence, were filled with the sounds of laughter and excited chatter – a stark contrast to the empty desks that had become a common sight during Operation Metro Surge.

Attendance plummeted during the ICE operation, as families, understandably apprehensive, opted to keep their children home. Virtual learning became the default for hundreds, creating a palpable sense of isolation within the school community. “It’s kind of surreal, more emotional than I expected,” admitted one teacher, reflecting the shared sentiment of educators eager to reconnect with their students.

The relief was evident in the faces of the returning students. Jhosabeth Guaman, a young student, articulated a sentiment common among her peers: “I am very happy because me no stay in my house. I am very, very happy.” Others echoed this joy, with Elias Deleon Smart stating, “I feel happy because I’m coming back and I see my friends,” and Tadeo Conejo Ramos simply expressing his happiness at being reunited with classmates.

The school’s commitment to a robust return is underscored by the impressive attendance rate: over 90% of students showed up for class, with only a handful of absences reported. This high turnout speaks volumes about the community's desire to move forward and reclaim a sense of stability. But the return isn’t about forgetting what happened; it's about acknowledging it and rebuilding with resilience.

While the immediate concerns surrounding ICE activity haven’t vanished entirely, the return of students to Columbia Academy offers a tangible signal of hope – a reminder that community and Education can endure even in the face of uncertainty. The school’s deliberate effort to make returning students feel valued—to demonstrate that their absence was keenly felt—has, for now, seemingly paid off, creating a space where learning and connection can once again flourish.