Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago public schools officials mistakenly stated that U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had raided an elementary school. ICE clarified that their agents did not visit Hamline Elementary School, and instead, the U. S. Secret Service was there to investigate a threat against a government official. Chicago Public Schools later acknowledged the confusion, stating they would not work with federal immigration authorities.
Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova initially asserted that ICE agents were at the school but confirmed that school staff had followed the correct protocol by keeping the agents outside and contacting the district's Law Department. She assured that students and staff were safe and the school would not allow ICE inside. Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega echoed this sentiment, stating they would protect their children and ensure their education remains accessible.
Governor Pritzker criticized the situation, claiming the reports of ICE at the school were alarming, and referred to such actions as un-American. His post was noted as incorrect since it was revealed that only Secret Service agents visited the school. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also issued a statement clarifying that it was not ICE but Secret Service agents present at the school and emphasized that spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary fear in the community.
Initially, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez echoed the incorrect claims, stating individuals with ICE credentials arrived at Hamline. He reiterated existing training for staff to ensure they do not share information with immigration authorities unless presented with a judicial order. However, after clarification, it was confirmed that those present were Secret Service agents investigating a threat, and they left without incident.
In a follow-up message, school officials admitted that there was no ICE involvement and that the confusion highlighted the anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement. They mentioned the recent change in federal policy that could allow ICE to operate in sensitive locations like schools, which has made school administrators vigilant in protecting their communities.
Officials expressed concerns about the rescinded directive that had previously protected sensitive sites from immigration enforcement and noted that the presence of ICE could have significant impacts on safety and well-being in schools. This incident underlined the need for clear communication and proper procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the ongoing debate about immigration policy in the city.
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