ICE Agents Denied Entry at Chicago Elementary School Amid Immigration Policy Tensions
On Friday, January 24, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly arrived at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood but were denied entry by school administrators, according to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials. The incident, which occurred around 11:15 a.m., prompted the school to go on a soft lockdown, though all students and staff remained safe.
Principal Natasha Ortega stated that school staff followed established protocols, ensuring the agents were not allowed inside or permitted to speak with students or staff. “We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education,” Ortega said. CPS officials emphasized that the district does not ask for students’ immigration status and will only cooperate with ICE if agents present a valid criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.
However, ICE denied the claims, stating, “This was not a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounter.” A source indicated that a different federal agency may have been involved, though details remain unclear. The Chicago Police Department also confirmed they were not notified of any incident at the school.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns in immigrant communities following the Trump administration’s recent policy changes, which allow ICE to conduct enforcement actions at schools, churches, and hospitals. CPS officials reiterated their commitment to protecting students and families under the Illinois TRUST Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which prohibit cooperation with ICE without proper legal documentation.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates called the situation “unprecedented,” while community members and local leaders expressed alarm over the potential for increased immigration enforcement in schools. The Back of the Yards neighborhood, home to a large Latin American population, has been particularly vigilant in light of the administration’s deportation threats.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez sent a letter to parents reaffirming the district’s stance on protecting students and families, stating that CPS will not allow ICE agents access to schools without a valid judicial warrant. The district also announced plans to host “Know Your Rights” trainings for families across the city in the coming days.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between federal immigration policies and local sanctuary city protections, with schools emerging as a focal point in the national debate over immigration enforcement.
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