In the wake of Operation Metro Surge, Roseville students are left with trauma and the community remains in need.

By Carol Marchel — Contributor

Roseville Area Schools Superintendent Jenny Loeck shared information about the impact of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the district at a community outreach meeting on April 8. The discussion brought together school leaders, educators, parents and members of community and faith organizations.

The impact of ICE on Roseville Schools 

Schools had to pivot quickly as Operation Metro Surge created academic disruptions and placed heavy demands on student well-being and trauma support.

Principals from Little Canada Elementary, Central Park Elementary, Roseville Middle School and Roseville Area High School reported significant disruptions. They described large numbers of students unable to attend school, increased security at doors and bus stops, rapid shifts to online learning and rising requests for food and rent assistance.  

The needs were significant and fast-moving, affecting students both in and outside of school. RAHS principal Dr. Jen Wilson said staff had to fill 290 weekly time slots to provide security at every building entrance and parking lot location.

School officials unanimously praised the strong response from community members and organizations that stepped in to support families during the surge.

Community support

Kathy Ramundt of Do Good Roseville led many of the efforts that helped schools respond to Operation Metro Surge. The group brought together school, faith and community leaders to coordinate support and shared guidance on meeting food needs. 

Faith communities including Roseville Lutheran and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church became collection sites for rent assistance, gathering $379,000 by March. Roseville Lutheran organized constitutional observer training, which helped deploy observers when ICE officers were present. Community volunteers showed up daily at playgrounds, parking lots and school entrances to offer a friendly and reassuring presence.

Ramundt estimated that between 500 and 1,000 volunteers contributed an average of 10 hours a week over a 12-week period. Using an estimated value of $34.79 per hour, she estimates the total value of volunteer labor was over $2 million.

Other volunteers responded in different ways that weren’t accounted for. A local bakery donated bread on a weekly basis to a nearby neighborhood heavily affected by ICE activity. Volunteers at Central Park Elementary assembled birthday kits for students whose families could not leave home. Local businesses contributed books, craft supplies, food and cash and a florist delivered flowers to the schools in the area.

Moving forward

Although Operation Metro Surge has reportedly ended, its effects continue to shape daily life for students and families. Many students are still working through academic gaps and emotional trauma, and families remain under financial pressure. Schools and community groups are being asked to sustain their support.

“We need to capture the flavor of the incredible volunteer spirit we have,” Ramundt said.

Schools are tracking academic losses and monitoring student well-being. At Little Canada Elementary, staff meet weekly to review academic data, and a therapy dog is available for students coping with trauma. Roseville Middle School is seeking financial support for summer learning programs, with social workers and school psychologists across the district providing additional emotional care for students. Roseville Area High School is expanding its in-school food pantry and extending support to other buildings. Parent-teacher organizations have strengthened their partnerships and are developing rapid-response plans for future needs.

Community groups are also preparing for long-term support. Ginny Allen of the Roseville Area Community Foundation announced a new $20,000 grant to address community needs. The “Love Pays the Rent” housing stability program, supported by Roseville Lutheran, St. Michael’s Lutheran and the Roseville Area Schools Foundation, is raising funds for rent assistance, with the Wilson Foundation matching donations through April 30. Do Good Roseville is organizing an April 18 Food Truck Festival, with part of the proceeds benefiting rent assistance efforts.

What you can do

Residents who want to support families affected by Operation Metro Surge have several options:

• Contribute to rent-assistance efforts. Donate to “Love Pays the Rent”.
• Support local schools. The Roseville Area Schools Foundation accepts contributions to help fund academic and student-support programs.
• Shop and dine locally. Many small businesses were affected by Operation Metro Surge and have played a role in supporting families in need.
• Volunteer with trusted community organizations. Do Good Roseville maintains a list of ongoing volunteer opportunities.
• Visit and bookmark the Roseville Reporter’s immigration enforcement response guide and contribute to community funds monetarily or by sharing with your circle.