Taxpayer-funded St. Paul charter school shifts to online amid safety concerns as community group warns of ICE activity
Sejong Academy, a taxpayer-funded Korean immersion charter in St. Paul, moved to online learning January 14–15, 2026, citing concerns for the “safety and well‑being” of its community amid reports of heightened immigration enforcement activity.
Key takeaways
- Sejong Academy shifted to remote instruction January 14–15, citing concerns for the safety and well‑being of students and staff. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
- The school’s announcement did not mention immigration enforcement or ICE, and Sejong has not publicly tied the move to reported enforcement activity. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
- Urban Village advised noncitizens to stay home amid reports of heightened immigration enforcement, reportedly producing missed work, postponed medical visits and children missing school in the local Myanmar community. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
School announcement and background
Sejong Academy posted a brief notice telling families it would “proceed with online learning for the remainder of this week (January 14 and 15). Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our school community.” The message did not elaborate on specific threats or whether the school consulted local authorities. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
Sejong Academy describes itself as a tuition‑free public charter focused on Korean language immersion from pre‑K through upper elementary grades. Kindergarten and first grade are 100% Korean immersion, decreasing to about 80% in grades 2–3 as English language arts are introduced. Public records and reporting indicate the school has received more than $7 million in government grants, according to IRS filings reviewed by ProPublica and reported by Fox News Digital. (School information: Sejong Academy)
“Proceed with online learning for the remainder of this week (January 14 and 15). Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we prioritize the safety and well‑being of our school community.”
Urban Village advisory and community impact
Urban Village, a Minnesota community organization, posted a video and social messages urging noncitizens and those without green cards to stay home, avoid driving and limit contact amid reported immigration enforcement activity. The advisory was framed as protective but reportedly led to missed work, postponed medical appointments and children missing school and activities—particularly within the local Myanmar community. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
News accounts cite Urban Village’s social posts and a video; the reports do not include a formal press release or links to an independent public filing by the group. Sejong Academy has not publicly confirmed coordination with Urban Village or linked its online shift to immigration enforcement. Reporters say they reached out to both organizations for comment. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
Connection to reported ICE activity: what is known and what is not
Local reports have connected the school’s remote shift to broader reports of immigration enforcement, but key facts remain unclear. Sejong’s announcement referenced “safety and well‑being” without naming ICE or immigration enforcement. Urban Village explicitly urged noncitizens to avoid travel citing possible enforcement. To date, news outlets have not independently confirmed ICE raids tied to the school or a community‑wide sweep at the specified times. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
Questions for public records and officials: Did Sejong act in response to a credible enforcement threat? Were local law enforcement or federal agencies involved in advising the move? Have school officials provided documentation or public statements to clarify? Those questions remain unanswered in public statements to date. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
Taxpayer funding and public accountability
Taxpayer-funded status increases expectations for transparency. As a publicly funded charter that has received millions in government grants, Sejong Academy’s temporary shift to remote instruction draws scrutiny from parents, taxpayers and oversight bodies seeking clear explanations and evidence that the move was necessary for student safety. Public reporting citing IRS filings indicates more than $7 million in government grants in the school’s funding history. (Source: Sejong Academy; Fox News Digital)
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
While the incident occurred in St. Paul, it offers lessons for Huntington Beach and other communities:
- Economic oversight: Taxpayers and local officials may press for clearer reporting on how charter schools use public funds and manage emergency closures.
- Political consequences: The episode contributes to national debates on immigration enforcement and public safety, potentially influencing local leaders’ positions on transparency and outreach.
- Social effects: Advisories that prompt missed work or delayed healthcare underscore the need for measured communications from community organizations to avoid unnecessary disruption.
- Cultural relevance: Korean immersion and other culturally focused programs highlight the importance of multilingual, culturally aware communications so families can make informed choices without undue fear.
- Practical actions: Parents should expect timely, specific notices; school districts and charter operators should clarify reasons for closures; officials can coordinate with nonprofits to provide verified guidance and legal resources.
Reporting steps readers should watch for
- Public statements from Sejong Academy clarifying the nature of the safety concerns and any outside advisories.
- Any comment or public posting by Urban Village explaining the basis for its advisory and whether it coordinated with schools or agencies.
- Local law enforcement or federal agency statements confirming or denying enforcement operations in the area at the time; news reports have not produced such confirmations to date. (Source: Fox News Digital; WCCS Radio)
