Minnesota Teachers Union Inappropriately Funds Anti-ICE Activism Through Front Groups
Source: Breccan F. Thies. "How MN Teachers Union Funds 'Front Group' Trying To Abolish ICE." March 19, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that Minnesota's teachers union is secretly funding activist groups that try to stop immigration enforcement. He claims this is wrong because teachers should focus on education, not politics, and these groups are trying to undermine legitimate law enforcement.
Conclusion
Minnesota teachers unions are improperly using their resources and influence to support radical anti-ICE activism that undermines law enforcement and distracts from education
Premises
- Education Minnesota (state teachers union) has financially supported TakeAction Minnesota (TAM) with $132,500 since 2015
- TAM operates as a 'front group' that allows unions to engage in activities they couldn't do directly
- TAM and its initiative Minneapolis Families for Public Schools organize 'ICE Watch' networks and anti-ICE resistance activities
- These groups collaborate in coalitions seeking to 'abolish ICE altogether' and eliminate 'police and prisons'
- The organizations train people in 'resistance tactics' and coordinate 'rapid response networks' to interfere with immigration enforcement
- Teachers unions should focus on education rather than 'far-left street activism' that harms student learning outcomes
Assumptions
- Teachers unions have a primary duty to focus on education rather than political activism
- ICE enforcement represents legitimate law enforcement that should not be obstructed
- Using 'front groups' to engage in activities unions can't do directly is deceptive and inappropriate
- Anti-ICE activism constitutes 'radical' or 'far-left' politics rather than legitimate advocacy
- Union resources should be used for educational purposes rather than political causes