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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted entry into a Chicago elementary school Friday morning, but were not allowed inside or permitted to speak to anyone inside, Chicago Public Schools officials said.
Around 11:15 a.m., ICE agents attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School.
“School staff followed CPS established protocols,” CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said in a news conference Friday. “They kept ICE agents outside of the school and contacted CPS law department and CPS Office of Safety and Security for further guidance. The ICE agents were not allowed into the school and were not permitted to speak to any students or staff members.”
Chkoumbova emphasized protocols were followed, ensuring student and staff safety, and reiterated CPS’s commitment to protecting students and families in accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance.
Staff followed protocols, ensuring safety of students and upholding their right to an education, Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega said at the news conference.
“I am very grateful to all of our Hamline staff here for upholding all of our protocols and ensuring the safety of our students,” Ortega said. “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.”
Earlier this week, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced the end of two directives, which did not permit federal immigration authorities to arrest people and carry out enforcement actions in and near places such as churches and schools, marking a departure from long-standing policy to avoid so-called sensitive areas.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” the statement reads.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement set a policy in 2011 preventing agents from making arrests in sensitive locations. The Biden administration put out similar guidance. Immigrant advocates have shared concerns over stripping that policy, arguing that doing so would stoke fear in immigrant communities and keep children from going to school or people from seeking care at hospitals.
CNN has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment.
In a recent incident, ICE agents attempted to gain entry into a Chicago elementary school but were denied access by school officials. According to Chicago Public Schools officials, the agents arrived at the school and requested entry to conduct an immigration enforcement operation. However, school staff followed protocol and did not allow them inside.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents and community members, who fear the presence of ICE agents in schools could lead to the targeting and separation of families. Chicago Public Schools has reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all students, regardless of their immigration status.
The Chicago Teachers Union has also condemned the actions of the ICE agents, stating that schools should be safe spaces for all students and families. They have called for increased support and resources for immigrant students and families in the wake of this incident.
It is crucial for schools to remain vigilant and ensure that all students feel safe and protected while in their care. The actions of the school officials in denying entry to the ICE agents demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rights of all students, regardless of their background.
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ICE agents, Chicago elementary school, Chicago Public Schools, immigration enforcement, school security, Chicago news, unauthorized entry, ICE enforcement, student safety, government officials, immigration policy
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