Chicago Public Schools officials said that when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to enter an elementary school in Chicago on Friday morning, they were not allowed entry or the chance to talk to anyone inside.
ICE officers attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School at approximately 11:15 a.m.
At a news conference on Friday, CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova stated that school personnel adhered to CPS-established procedures. They called the CPS Office of Safety and Security and the CPS law department for help, and they prevented ICE agents from entering the school. It was forbidden for the ICE agents to go inside the school and talk to any of the personnel or pupils.
Chkoumbova reiterated CPS’s dedication to safeguarding students and families in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, stressing that procedures were followed to ensure the safety of both students and staff.
At the press conference, Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega said that staff adhered to procedures to protect children and respect their right to an education.
Ortega informed the audience, “I am really appreciative of all of our Hamline employees here for following all of our procedures and making sure our students are safe.” We are here to defend our students and ensure that they have access to a top-notch education, thus we will not open our doors to ICE.
In a break from long-standing policy to avoid so-called sensitive areas, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced earlier this week that two directives that forbade federal immigration authorities from making arrests and pursuing enforcement actions in and near locations such as schools and churches would be repealed.
It will no longer be possible for criminals to hide in American churches and schools and escape punishment. According to the statement, the Trump administration believes that our courageous law enforcement personnel will exercise common sense and will not be restrained.
A rule that forbids agents from conducting arrests in sensitive places was put into effect by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2011. Similar advice was released by the Biden administration.
Advocates for immigrants have voiced concerns over the policy’s repeal, claiming that it will create terror in immigrant communities, stopping individuals from obtaining medical attention and children from going to school.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.