The Ten News Deep Dive: ICE, Student Impact, and What Happens Next

Podcast: The Ten News, News For Curious Kids
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Small But Mighty Media
Guests/Contributors: Pamela Kirkland, Ryan Willard, Sasha (intern), Cynthia Hernandez (school social worker), Ten News listeners

Episode Overview

This episode offers an in-depth look at the recent surge in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, the dramatic increase in ICE activity across the U.S. (with a focus on Minnesota), and the resulting impacts on students, families, and communities. Through history, firsthand reports from kids, and expert advice from a school social worker, the Ten News team explores both what led to these events and how young people and their communities are coping and responding.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. ICE’s History and Recent Changes

(00:41 – 03:19)

• Post-9/11 Origins: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created after the 9/11 attacks; ICE was formed under DHS in 2003 to enforce immigration laws.
• Budget Growth: ICE funding has ballooned from $3 billion in 2003 to nearly $10 billion by 2024.
• The “Big Beautiful Bill Act” (2025): Led by President Trump, this act increased the ICE budget to $85 billion, making it the most highly funded law enforcement agency in the U.S.
  • Number of ICE agents jumped from 10,000 to 22,000 (120% increase).
• New Tactics & Controversies: Agents began wearing masks, detaining people without warrants, and randomly stopping individuals, leading to widespread criticism.

“That’s right. $85 billion. That’s a 750% increase. The $85 billion budget makes ICE the highest funded US law enforcement agency.”
— Ryan Willard (02:49)

2. The Minnesota ICE Surge and Its Fallout

(03:19 – 05:38)

• Biggest ICE Operation: January 2026, Minneapolis witnessed the largest ICE operation ever, with over 3,000 agents deployed.
• Chaos & Tragedy: Protesters clashed with ICE, immigrants and U.S. citizens were stopped—two citizens (Renee Goode and Alex Preddy) were killed.
• Polarized Responses: DHS leader Kristi Noem labeled the victims as “domestic terrorists," while others (including in law enforcement) condemned the use of force.
• Widespread Protests: Student-led national walkout pressures Congress to reconsider ICE's funding and tactics.

“ICE officers started wearing masks and covering their faces, randomly stopping and questioning people and detaining them without signed warrants from judges.”
— Pamela Kirkland (03:19)

3. Political Stalemate & Partial DHS Shutdown

(05:38 – 05:58)

• Congressional Stand-off: Democrats refuse to approve new DHS funding without “guardrails” for ICE’s conduct.
• Partial Shutdown: DHS operates on prior funding; ICE begins drawing down Minnesota operations, but community impacts linger.

4. Student and Community Voices: Kids Share Their Experiences

(05:58 – 09:45)

• Firsthand Reports from Listeners ("Tenors"):
  • Tupelo (student, MN): More classmates doing online school, multiple lockouts, school closures, paranoia and fear, ICE visible at school.
  • Claire (Chicago): Disturbed by ICE’s tactics; affected by the sound of helicopters at school.
  • Steidle 4510: Worried about ICE targeting their family.
• Sasha (intern, San Francisco): Describes a citywide student walkout in protest, highlighting how even beyond Minnesota, students are organizing and expressing solidarity.

“I am paranoid. We’ve done a few deliveries to people who are afraid to leave their houses. At my elementary school, ICE has shown up twice.”
— Tupelo, MN student (06:40)

• Balancing Activism and Responsibility: Sasha discusses how students weighed risks of missing class to protest, and notes that activism can take many forms, not just protests.

“Protests aren’t the only thing, and obviously they’re not accessible to everyone.”
— Sasha (08:59)

5. How Students & Families Are Coping

(09:45 – 10:08, 11:06 – 14:08)

• Self-Care & Community Support: Sasha and others turn to friends, family, activism, and reminding themselves of “all the good things” to get through.
• School Social Worker’s Role: Pamela speaks with Cynthia Hernandez about the frontline role of schools in supporting affected kids.

“When I’m feeling scared, I remind myself of all the good things that I have in my life. The friends that I have to back me up… and that I’m not alone, but also that everybody’s trying to make the world a better place.”
— Sasha (09:48)

6. Expert Insight: Guidance from School Social Worker Cynthia Hernandez

(10:33 – 17:36)

• District’s Response:
  • Created an immigration task force
  • Developed protocols for if ICE appears at schools
  • Provided trainings for staff on how to support students and families
  • Partnered with grassroots organizations for on-the-ground support

“We’ve created trainings for various school staff... Like, as a teacher, what can you do to support your students and families? As a principal, what can you do? As just front office staff, what can you do to support our students and families?”
— Cynthia Hernandez (12:12)

• Mental Health Impact: Acknowledges the mix of fear and stress with the everyday worries of being a student; recognizes the “mental exhaustion.”
• Advice for Parents:
  • Take a deep breath; it’s new for everyone.
  • Don’t avoid hard conversations—kids need to talk through their feelings.
  • It's okay for adults to admit their own fears.

“Not talking about it doesn’t make it go away. ... It’s better for those feelings to be out than in.”
— Cynthia Hernandez (14:17)

• Resilient Students: Some kids take on the role of “liaison” in their families, sharing information and helping keep loved ones informed and safe.

“We don’t have to provide specific answers. ... Just knowing that, like, oh, someone’s here with me, someone’s in my corner, can go a really long way.”
— Cynthia Hernandez (15:47)

• Encouragement & Hope:
  • It's normal to feel scared—seek kindness, community, and support.
  • Building these skills and connections helps long term.

“Being kind to one another, building friendships, building community… that’s going to take us a really long way. ... Always reaching out a hand to the people who need it.”
— Cynthia Hernandez (16:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:49 | Ryan Willard | “That’s right. $85 billion. That’s a 750% increase. The $85 billion budget makes ICE the highest funded US law enforcement agency.” | | 03:19 | Pamela Kirkland | “ICE officers started wearing masks and covering their faces, randomly stopping and questioning people and detaining them without signed warrants from judges.” | | 06:40 | Tupelo (MN student, via Sasha) | “I am paranoid. ... At my elementary school, ICE has shown up twice.” | | 08:59 | Sasha | “Protests aren’t the only thing, and obviously they’re not accessible to everyone.” | | 09:48 | Sasha | “When I’m feeling scared, I remind myself of all the good things that I have in my life... and I’m not alone, but also that everybody’s trying to make the world better.”| | 12:12 | Cynthia Hernandez | “We’ve created trainings for various school staff... Like, as a teacher, what can you do to support your students and families? ...” | | 14:17 | Cynthia Hernandez | “Not talking about it doesn’t make it go away. ... It’s better for those feelings to be out than in.” | | 16:54 | Cynthia Hernandez | “Being kind to one another, building friendships, building community… that’s going to take us a really long way.” |

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:41 – Brief ICE history and changing tactics
• 02:31 – Discussion of explosive ICE budget growth under the “Big Beautiful Bill Act”
• 03:54 – The Minnesota operation, protests, and tragic shootings
• 04:42 – Student-led walkouts and national response
• 05:58 – Kids’ letters and firsthand accounts
• 07:25 – Student walkout in San Francisco, activism methods
• 10:33 – Conversation with social worker Cynthia Hernandez on supporting students
• 14:08 – Advice for parents on kid conversations about difficult topics
• 16:54 – Cynthia’s final advice: the power of community and kindness

Closing Thoughts

The episode closes by reminding listeners that fear and confusion are valid emotions in tough times and that talking to someone—family, a teacher, a counselor—can help. The show encourages young listeners to stay engaged, lift each other up, and continue sharing their stories.

“Even though ICE is ending the surge in Minnesota, the impact doesn’t just disappear overnight.”
— Pamela Kirkland (17:46)

This episode of The Ten News provides a balanced, empathetic, and informative exploration of the ICE surge, showing how policy shifts ripple into real life—and how kids, families, and schools are responding with resilience and hope.