ICE activity near Chicago schools raises community concerns

Immigration enforcement efforts have caused alarm among principals and parents in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Emails obtained by the Tribune reveal a significant number of reports about the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near schools, especially after a false report on January 24 regarding ICE at Hamline Elementary. That day, the panic began when a report mistakenly identified Secret Service agents as ICE officers. Although the agents were found to be acting normally, the incident heightened fears about immigration enforcement in schools. Many communication threads from CPS security showed ongoing concerns about ICE sightings near educational institutions, even if some reports were later proven incorrect. Experts say such reports create a tense atmosphere in classrooms. Patricia Gandara, an education professor, noted that teachers face additional stress as students may be scared and unable to focus. Teachers struggle to maintain normalcy amidst these tensions. ICE stated it only conducts enforcement actions at schools under strict guidelines, focusing on known public safety threats. CPS has provided guidance for principals on how to manage situations involving immigration enforcement and protect students from potential detentions of their family members. Recent changes in immigration policy under the Trump administration have led to heightened fears in communities. Internal emails suggested that some parents are asking friends to drop off their children at school to avoid potential confrontations with ICE. While many reports of ICE activity are unfounded, there have been genuine incidents of enforcement actions near schools. One report on January 29 described ICE detaining an individual near Eberhart Elementary. Local leaders expressed concerns about misinformation, which adds to the fear among families. The climate of fear has had a noticeable impact on school communities. For instance, a student at Hale Elementary brought toy guns to school, mistakenly believing they needed protection from ICE. Incidents like these highlight the anxiety pervasive among students and faculty. CPS officials and community leaders emphasize the importance of keeping lines of communication open and reporting suspicious activities to help ensure the safety and well-being of all students.