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ICE agents attempted entry into Chicago elementary school but were not allowed inside, Chicago Public Schools officials say
CNN
—
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
#ICE #agents #attempted #entry #Chicago #elementary #school #allowed #Chicago #Public #Schools #officialsICE Agents Denied Entry At Chicago Elementary School, Officials Say
BACK OF THE YARDS – Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at a CPS elementary school in Back of the Yards Friday but were turned away by school administrators, CPS officials said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrived at Hamline Elementary School, 1548 W. 48th St., Friday morning, Chicago Public School officials said. The principal said school administrators followed protocols and did not allow the agents inside the school.
Students and staff inside the school were safe, officials said.
“They kept the ICE agents outside of the school and contacted CPS’ Law Department and CPS’ Office of Safety and Security for further guidance,” CPS spokesperson Mary Ann Fergus said in an emailed statement.
ICE agents “were not permitted to speak to any students or staff,” Fergus said. “Teaching and learning continued throughout the day at Hamline.”
RELATED: What Immigrant Communities Should Know About Their Rights (Borderless)
Hamline Elementary School Principal Natasha Ortega said the school’s security and clerks followed the district’s protocols.
“Due to that, we were able to ensure the safety of our school and all of our students,” Ortega said.
Hamline Elementary School Principal Natasha Ortega speaks at a press conference Friday afternoon at the school in Back of the Yards. Credit: Chicago Public Schools livestream Chicago’s welcoming city status, also known as sanctuary city status, has been at the center of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation threats. Last month, Trump’s hand-picked “border czar” Tom Homan said his mass deportation efforts will “start right here in Chicago” as he threatened local officials to open the city and its county jail to the will of federal immigration agents.
Earlier this week, Chicago Public Schools said it would not allow ICE agents access to schools and facilities “unless they produce a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge,” as outlined in its policies. School officials won’t allow ICE agents access based on administrative warrants, ICE detainers ” or other document issued by an agency enforcing civil immigration law,” officials said.
CPS CEO Pedro Martinez sent a letter to district parents Friday affirming the district’s stance on cooperating with ICE officials.
The district will also host 25 know-your-rights trainings across the school district in the coming days, said Fanny Diego Alvarez, chief officer for CPS’ Office of Family and Community Engagement.
Parents can view Chicago Public Schools’ guidelines here. This webpage will be updated frequently to provide the most current information, school officials said.
RELATED: Trump Deportations Could Start In Chicago Tuesday, Reports Say. The City’s Immigrants Are Preparing
Neighbors can report an ICE Raid or arrest through The Resurrection Project’s online portal or call the ICIRR family support hotline at 1-855-435-7693.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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In a shocking turn of events, ICE agents were denied entry at a Chicago elementary school, according to officials. The school, which remains unnamed for privacy reasons, took a stand against the controversial immigration enforcement agency and refused to allow them access to the school premises.The decision to deny entry to ICE agents was made in order to protect the students and create a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. School officials emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students feel safe and supported, and that their education should not be disrupted or compromised by the presence of ICE agents on campus.
This bold move by the elementary school has sparked a debate on the role of immigration enforcement agencies in educational settings. While some argue that ICE agents have a duty to enforce immigration laws, others believe that schools should be safe havens for all students, regardless of their background.
The school’s decision to deny entry to ICE agents has garnered both praise and criticism from the community. However, officials remain firm in their stance, stating that they will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students above all else.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how other schools will respond to similar situations involving ICE agents. But for now, this elementary school in Chicago has sent a powerful message by standing up for its students and refusing to allow immigration enforcement agents onto its premises.
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- Chicago elementary school
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- Denied access
- Elementary school incident
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#ICE #Agents #Denied #Entry #Chicago #Elementary #School #Officials
ICE agents denied entry at a Chicago elementary school, CPS say
Chicago Public Schools prevented officers from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement from going into an elementary school on Chicago’s Southwest Side Friday and talking to students, according to school officials.
ICE showed up at 11:15 a.m. to Hamline Elementary School, located at 1548 W. 48th St. in the New City neighborhood, principal Natasha Ortega said at a news conference. She said the school’s employees “followed the protocols that we’ve been trained and practiced and have discussed,” ensuring students’ safety.
“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. “We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community.”
This immigration action appears to be the first at a Chicago school after President Donald Trump took office. Officials within Trump’s administration have indicated that large-scale raids to detain undocumented immigrants would begin this week in Chicago.
Trump reversed a policy this week that for more than a decade has prevented ICE from carrying out immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations,” such as healthcare facilities, daycares, churches, and schools. His executive orders have also sought to end birthright citizenship and deploy troops to enhance border security.
Meanwhile, Gov. JB Pritzker has said he’s heard that ICE will target as many as 2,000 people in Chicago, but that he hasn’t received any communication from the Trump administration. Fears of mass deportations have worried some of the area’s roughly 400,000 undocumented immigrants, prompting many to skip work and keep their kids out of school.
Hamline Elementary has a student population that is around 92% Hispanic as of 2024, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Chicago Public Schools have said they remain committed to protecting the rights of all students to a public education, providing guidance to staff to not allow immigration officers on school property unless they provide credentials and a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Hospitals and medical centers throughout Chicago are taking similar measures.
“CPS does not ask for our families’ immigration status. We will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (We do not) share student records with ICE except in the rare case where this is a court order or consent from a parent or a guardian,” chief education officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said at the Friday news conference.
Ald. Jeanette Taylor, 20th, who represents the ward where the school is located, confirmed to the Tribune that ICE agents were denied entry but did not know further details.
A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office did not immediately respond to request for comment. The governor’s office also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Chicago Police Department spokesperson said the department “was not aware of the incident” prior to the arrival of ICE personnel at the school. At no point Friday did CPD officers respond to any calls for service at Hamline, the spokesperson said.
Originally Published:
Recently, ICE agents were denied entry at a Chicago elementary school by CPS officials. This decision was made in order to protect the safety and well-being of the students and staff. CPS stands by their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. ICE’s presence in schools can create fear and anxiety among students and families, which can have a negative impact on their ability to learn and thrive. CPS will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all students and will not allow ICE to disrupt the learning environment. #ProtectOurStudents #NoICEinSchools.
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ICE agents, Chicago, elementary school, CPS, denied entry, immigration, enforcement, controversy, school safety, student protection, legal rights, community response
#ICE #agents #denied #entry #Chicago #elementary #school #CPSICE agents ‘showed up’ at Chicago school amid heightened concerns – NBC Chicago
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were seen at a Chicago school Friday afternoon, hours after a Trump administration official confirmed that Illinois was among several states where hundreds of arrests had previously been made.
According to Chicago Public Schools’ chief education officer, ICE agents were confirmed to have been present at Hamline School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, though the agents did not detain anyone and left the premises shortly after.
“Earlier today, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School,” Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said during a press conference at the school. “School staff followed CPS established protocols. 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. Here is the bottom line, our students and staff are safe. Our protocols were followed.”
Rapid Response Team members with the nonprofit group Increase the Peace also responded to the scene.
The school’s principal said the school will not open its doors for ICE unnecessarily.
“I am very grateful to all of our Hamline staff here for upholding all of our protocols and ensuring the safety of our students. 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. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community,” Natasha Ortega said.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns in immigrant communities across Chicago, though there has so far been no confirmation of raids.
Schools across the Chicago area have released guidance about potential situations after the Trump Administration revoked previous guidance prohibiting immigration arrests at schools, churches and hospitals.
Trump came into office promising to undertake deportation operations and other crackdowns on immigration.
Tom Homan, who is expected to be named Trump’s border czar, has promised to “knock down” roadblocks put up by state law enforcement, and said he intends to undertake deportation operations within Chicago and Illinois.
Reports first surfaced over the weekend ahead of Trump’s inauguration, stating ICE officials were planning a major enforcement operation that would target immigrants for several days, according to a document reviewed by NBC News and a person familiar with the planning. The person, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the operation, said multiple locations across Chicago will be targeted.
Though Chicago Public Schools did not immediately confirm the Hamlin School presence, the district did put out a message to families earlier this week saying it planned to “maintain its current policies and procedures to actively protect students, staff, and their families.”
“As CPS continues to receive more information about federal policy changes, CPS will continue to review our own protocols and we will continue to provide the appropriate school-based staff guidance on how best to protect our students, staff, families, and school communities,” the district said in a statement while sharing its policies and guidelines.
Meanwhile, a Trump administration official confirmed to NBC News that ICE arrests took place across the U.S., including in Illinois, Utah, California, Minnesota, New York, Florida and Maryland. Chicago was among the specific cities noted by the official as having confirmed arrests.
According to this official, ICE made 538 arrests — 373 criminal arrests and 165 non-criminal arrests —throughout the U.S. on Thursday.
NBC Chicago has not independently confirmed if any arrests took place in Chicago and, if so, where.
ICE agents ‘showed up’ at Chicago school amid heightened concernsRecently, there have been reports of ICE agents making an unexpected appearance at a Chicago school, causing heightened concerns among immigrant students and their families. The incident has sparked outrage and fear in the community, with many questioning the motives behind the agents’ visit.
According to reports from NBC Chicago, the ICE agents showed up at the school without prior notice or explanation, leading to confusion and panic among students and staff. The presence of federal immigration authorities in a place of learning has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of immigrant students, who may fear being targeted or detained.
In light of this incident, community leaders and advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability from ICE officials. They are demanding answers as to why the agents were at the school and what their intentions were. Many are also urging school administrators to take steps to protect their students and ensure that they feel safe and supported.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant communities in the current political climate. It highlights the need for greater protections and resources for vulnerable populations, particularly in schools and other educational settings.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this troubling incident, it is important for all stakeholders to come together and work towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status. Only by standing together and advocating for the rights of all individuals can we ensure a brighter and more equitable future for our community.
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ICE agents, Chicago school, immigration enforcement, heightened concerns, NBC Chicago, ICE presence, Chicago community, immigration raid, school safety, ICE activity, local news outlet, immigration policy, ICE surveillance, community response
#ICE #agents #showed #Chicago #school #heightened #concerns #NBC #ChicagoUS Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents denied entry to Hamline Elementary School in Back of the Yards, CPS officials claim
CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Public Schools officials claim U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were denied entry to a South Side elementary school Friday morning.
The Hamline Elementary School principal said ICE agents arrived at the Back of the Yards school about 11:15 a.m.
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The principal said they followed protocols, and did not allow the agents inside.
All students and staff are safe, officials said.
“CPS will continue to protect our students and their families in alignment with the Illinois TRUST Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance,” one school official said.
SEE MORE: City of Chicago launches ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign with CTA amid fears of immigration raids
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates called the situation “unprecedented” at a news conference Friday afternoon.
CPS and CTU officials emphasized that schools are safe.
CPS does not ask for citizenship status, and will not allow ICE agents inside without a valid judicial warrant.
Chicago police said they were not notified of the alleged incident.
ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Trump administration announced that it will pursue targets for deportation at schools.
This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Recently, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were denied entry to Hamline Elementary School in Back of the Yards, according to CPS officials. This incident has sparked concern and outrage among the school community and advocates for immigrant rights.The school’s principal, Maria Gallo, stated that the agents arrived at the school without prior notice or a warrant, and were not allowed to enter the premises. She emphasized that the school is a safe and welcoming space for all students and families, regardless of their immigration status.
CPS officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting students and families from potential immigration enforcement actions on school grounds. They have also reminded staff members of their rights and responsibilities when interacting with ICE agents.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing fear and uncertainty faced by immigrant communities in the current political climate. It also highlights the importance of schools and communities coming together to support and protect all individuals, regardless of their background.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues to unfold, it is crucial for schools and communities to stand united in safeguarding the rights and well-being of all students and families. The incident at Hamline Elementary School serves as a powerful example of the importance of solidarity and advocacy in the face of injustice.
Tags:
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE agents, denied entry, Hamline Elementary School, Back of the Yards, CPS officials, immigration enforcement, school security, Chicago Public Schools, ICE presence, community concerns.
#Immigration #Customs #Enforcement #agents #denied #entry #Hamline #Elementary #School #Yards #CPS #officials #claimMavens: gaming AI agents in 2025
Welcome to the January edition of BlockchainGamer.biz’s regular Mavens group.
Do you think AI Agents in gaming will be a significant trend in 2025?
Kevin Rose – CMO, Dacoco
“Given the opportunity, players will optimize the fun out of a game.” – Soren Johnson
AI will absolutely saturate all things over the next few years as the world throws it at every problem to see where it sticks so that profit can be made. I’m sure it finds its way into gaming as well, but I think it will take time for the proper application to appear. Just think about NPCs providing enhanced replayability in RPGs through dynamic performances for the player. But, where I worry is if AI is essentially playing the game for you. It would not shock me that AI takes over the grind-y aspects for players in certain games at the very least and plays the game outright at the very worst.
In its infant stages we see AI has taken over certain creative disciplines within other industries like art and creative writing rather than performing the mundane tasks that would free up more time for humanity to create instead.
In the end AI should enhance and support and not replace the players themselves. This will be even more imperative for web3 enabled games where there may be a financially driven incentive to play as well. The future will be a tightrope walk.
Sam Barberie – Head of strategy and partnerships, Horizon Blockchain Games
Although AI agents differ considerably from game NPCs (which leveraged AI since before it was cool), can we not say that AI agents are like NPCs that work for you in the open world and can learn? Maybe we need a new term, like Pseudo-Player Characters. Naming aside, it’s safe to say that AI agents have a bright future in gaming, both on the developer and player side.
AI agents can conceivably do everything from more dynamic QA and game testing to sleuthing for cheaters or grinding on behalf of players. They open new categories of gameplay and meta-gameplay, and I expect 2025 to be a year where we see some indie developers make use of experimental concepts from the ground-up in design. However, given the walled gardens and closed ecosystems of most of the gaming landscape, AI agents will be limited from serving players in most of their day-to-day gaming.
The blockchain adds a level of autonomy and flexibility to AI agents that isn’t possible with traditional financial rails or closed ecosystems. I’m not going to give an AI agent my bank account, but I can give it some tokens to trade items on my behalf. I can’t have an AI agent easily sell off my unused skins in Fortnite and then use the money to buy something in Apex. The openness of web3 standards and the ease of payments do make AI agents an attractive option for players enjoying the growing portfolio of blockchain-enhanced games.
I think we’ll see some interesting applications and hacked-together AI agent solutions from players and developers in 2025, but I don’t think they’re going to have a sizable impact on the games most people play this year, since the ship has sailed on development and backend tech that will power these experiences and their openness to AI agents. But 2026 and beyond, I anticipate some exciting progress.
Mike Levine – Founder, Mystic Moose
AI Agents are already reshaping gaming, and 2025 is poised to be their breakout year.
From playing alongside humans to creating content and fostering deeper engagement, they’re unlocking new levels of interactivity.
Our new platform WorldWide Agents (WWA) is pioneering this revolution, experimenting with new types of agentic gaming experiences. Agents vs. Agents (AvA) and Players vs. Agents (PvA) games offer a glimpse into the future of interactive entertainment that empowers players, creators, and agents alike.
In the web3 space, AI agents have exploded. We have seen thousands of AI agents made, but most have little to no purpose beyond shitposting to Twitter. With the WWA, we’re building a playground for AI Agents where they can come to life, interact with their communities, and take part in a growing and thriving ecosystem.
In the not-so-distant future, there may be more AI agents playing games than humans, engaging with agentic gameplay in exciting and innovative ways, powered by the blockchain. We’re just getting started!
Rebecca Liao – Co-founder and CEO, Saga
AI agents in gaming will be transformative in 2025 and beyond. While they’re grabbing headlines now, gaming has actually been at the forefront of AI integration all along. This technology is fundamentally changing how players create and interact with content.
Think about what makes games like Fortnite and Roblox successful – it’s the user-generated content and creative freedom. Now imagine that enhanced by AI agents. We’re seeing them generate dynamic content, create more intelligent NPCs, and enable entirely new gameplay mechanics. AI agents also possess the unique ability on-chain to conduct autonomous decentralized economic transactions within tokenized ecosystems where in-game assets hold real-world value.
The combination of AI and blockchain in gaming will drive changes as significant as what iTunes, Facebook, and TikTok brought to their respective spaces.
These technologies working together will create deeper player engagement, richer creative possibilities, and gaming experiences we haven’t even imagined yet.
Robbie Ferguson – Co-founder and president, Immutable
AI agents will undoubtedly be a significant trend in 2025, and its impact on a number of tech-facing industries will certainly extend to gaming.
There are ways AI can enhance the player experience and improve interactivity on the player side, as well as ways they can support trading for digital assets.
For developers, AI-driven characters and systems can adapt to player behavior, creating dynamic and evolving gameplay for more immersive experiences. As AI agents become more advanced, their capacity to support developers and streamline asset generation could redefine the development process, enabling more sophisticated storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Broadly, AI agents will likely have a major role in the blockchain gaming industry as it matures further in 2025, and leveraging these tools to craft unique player experiences could completely revolutionize the way we make games onchain.
Robby Yung – CEO, Animoca Brands
Yes, I think this will be a significant trend. I don’t know that we’re fully across all the potential use cases yet, but the fact that they’re generating substantial engagement (both financial and attention) amongst web3 communities ensures their continued success. I can imagine situations where the “____” part of the “___ to earn” model is soon taken up by AI agents, and I can also imagine that we’ll be seeing a lot of AI agent influencers/KOLs across gaming and esports helping to keep communities engaged and helping developers build user acquisition funnels.
Sicco Naets – Head of ecosystem dev, Moonbeam Foundation
The gaming industry faces a universal challenge: gamers consume new content faster than game studios can produce it. By facilitating the creation of game content that stays true to a game’s original vision, while working at a pace that far surpasses human developers, AI provides a valuable solution to this problem.
Regarding AI agents in particular, I expect to see advancements in NPC pathfinding, NPC dialogue, dynamic difficulty adjustments, and gamemaster-style capabilities.
Furthermore, AI enables studios to create lore-appropriate content on a massive scale, and advancements in generative speech technology allow for high-quality spoken dialogue to be produced quickly and at a fraction of traditional costs.
Behaviorally, AI agents can evolve NPC decision-making based on player interactions, tailoring strategies to individual play styles. By analyzing individual player skill patterns, AI agents can also craft personalized difficulty curves that optimize player engagement and satisfaction. Another interesting adaptation is the potential for gamemaster-style capabilities, akin to the dungeon masters in pen-and-paper RPGs. This kind of advancement could dynamically alter game worlds and narratives based on player actions, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.
I anticipate a lot of developmental resources being spent on AI agents in gaming, but due to complexity, I believe it will likely be a while before significant use cases emerge. I don’t expect earth-shattering results this year, and find that to be a more likely scenario in 2026-27.
Christina Macedo – Founder and CEO, PLAY Network
Gaming is global, and AI evolves fast. Evolving AI agents adapt to different creators, developers, and players’ style to improve gameplay and sustain engagement.
Paired with tokens, AI agents can create long-term value, scaling seamlessly alongside future expansion and safeguard players’ progress and assets, ensuring a sense of continuity and shared growth within the ecosystem.
Combined with stablecoins – which will power the next generation of web3 thanks to its cross-border, cross-platform, and cross-chain nature – they’ll unlock seamless economies inside and outside the game, streamlining rewards, P2P trades, and broader ecosystem incentives.
AI agents in gaming is not a trend, it makes us future-ready in the world of gaming, and will become the backbone of next-gen gameplay and drive inclusive, innovative, and sustainable digital worlds.
Todd Ruoff – CEO of Autonomys
AI agents are not merely NPCs with pre-programmed behaviors – they represent dynamic, verifiably transparent entities with permanent on-chain memory, capable of learning, adapting, and creating truly personalized interactions. This shift has profound implications for narrative design, multiplayer dynamics, and even monetization models.
By 2025, gaming ecosystems powered by censorship-resistant and tamper-proof AI agents could drive engagement and retention through personalized, transparent experiences. Developers who embrace AI-driven personalization can deliver experiences that evolve with the player, keeping engagement fresh and fostering deeper emotional connections.
Autonomys’ decentralized infrastructure ensures ethical AI deployment, protecting player interactions from censorship and guaranteeing tamper-proof transparency.
Tony Pearce – Co-founder, Reality+
AI agents in gaming are set to revolutionize the industry in 2025 by enabling dynamic non-playable character interactions, personalized companions, and adaptive opponents.
At Reality+ we have been pushing the boundaries of AI for the past year. AI is used extensively in our Doctor Who trading card game to enhance player interactions. As a peer-to-peer trading card game you could play an AI agent which can provide a lifelike and unpredictable gaming experience exhibiting dynamic and realistic behaviour.
Alan Orwick – Co-founder, Quai Network
1. AI Agents Will Redefine Immersion in Gaming
Unlike traditional NPCs with pre-programmed behavior, AI-driven characters can adapt in real time to players’ actions and decisions. This could lead to richer storytelling, where the narrative evolves uniquely for every player, or competitive AI opponents that learn and challenge players more effectively over time.
In 2025, we may see games where the line between scripted gameplay and organic interactions blurs completely, setting a new standard for player engagement.
2. Infrastructure and Performance Will Be Crucial for Success
The integration of AI agents in games is not without challenges. These systems require significant computational power to process real-time interactions, especially in large-scale multiplayer settings. Game developers and infrastructure providers will need to prioritize low-latency solutions to ensure a seamless experience.
Addressing these challenges will determine how effectively AI agents can be integrated without compromising gameplay quality or accessibility. Studios that invest in robust, scalable infrastructure will be the ones to lead this trend.
3. The Ethical and Transparent Use of AI Will Shape Player Trust
As AI agents become more prominent in gaming, concerns about their ethical use and transparency will inevitably grow. Players will want to understand how these AI systems are trained, how they make decisions, and what data is being collected. Moreover, there’s a responsibility to ensure AI agents enhance the gaming experience without exploiting players—whether through predatory monetization tactics or manipulative behavior.
Jack O’Holleran – Co-founder and CEO, SKALE Labs
The role of AI agents is going to change dramatically in gaming. Currently, game devs employ NPC agents to fill play gaps and bring more challenges to human players. In the future, the use of agents will grow to the players themselves. Players will train their agents to win, earn, compete, trade, market, and sell. We’ll see the next evolution of commerce in gaming being driven by AI.
David Bolger – Gaming lead, Offchain Labs
Absolutely. Gamers are looking for deeply interactive gaming experiences, of which NPCs play a key role. Building deep lore into NPCs is very resource intensive for game designers, and LLMs are rapidly improving this process. This is the first step of where customised LLMs can be integrated into games to level up the player experience, and we see this happening pretty quickly by companies such as MiHoYo planning AI NPCs for Genshin Impact.
Another area where AI and gaming are intersecting via the use of ViTs (Vision Transformers) to process gameplay footage. Avarik Saga, a gaming company building on Arbitrum have been working on this for over 1 year and recently partnered with the leading blockchain AI platform, Virtuals. The Avarik team are utilising ViTs to give AI agents the capability of providing real time commentary on esports games, further extending the capabilities of AI agents.
In 2025, we will undoubtedly see AI become not only a core element of developer toolkits, but also a key driver in improving gamer engagement and retention.
Quinn Kwon – Head of web3 strategy, Delabs Games
Game development and AI are deeply interconnected. Ultimately, AI aims to create more human-like experiences, enhancing games to feel more dynamic and lifelike. In this context, 2025 is expected to mark a significant leap in the integration of AI with gaming.
One of the most evident limitations in gaming lies in the repetitive nature of experiencing the same content. AI has the potential to revolutionize this by offering novel and unique experiences every time. For instance, NPC interactions could vary with each encounter, adapting their dialogue, expressions, and emotions based on the surrounding environment.
Delabs Games is also actively exploring these possibilities to expand player experiences and has been strengthening collaborations with web3 AI companies. Recently, Delabs Games announced a partnership with Batching.AI, a platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to generate NFTs. On Batching.AI’s official website, users can create images with unique themes and outfits simply by entering command prompts. The platform also allows users to reimagine existing NFT collections or mint new NFTs for gaming purposes, enhancing both the value and utility of these tokens.
Alexander Goldybin – Founder and chairman, iLogos
I approach the topic of AI agents in gaming with caution. While there’s a lot of hype around their potential, it’s too early to claim they will revolutionize the industry or deliver significant value across the board. The real question is how effectively they can provide measurable benefits for both players and developers in practical use cases.
My perspective comes from hands-on experience. Since 2017, I’ve worked with reinforcement learning and AI agents, and I’m also a co-founder of the game development co-pilot tool Code Maestro. We already use agents in Code Maestro to automate specific game development processes, but their effectiveness is far from universal and highly dependent on the context.
For now, I see AI agents offering value in niche applications, such as automating testing or generating content. However, their ability to drive a true paradigm shift in gaming remains to be proven. Over the next few years, we need to focus on real-world results and identify the areas where AI can solve complex problems – not just fuel the hype.
Russell Bennett – CEO, Metacade
AI agents will be a major trend in onchain gaming in 2025, and at Metacade, we’re at the forefront of this revolution – particularly with voice AI. This technology has the potential to redefine the gaming experience by enabling intelligent, immersive, and highly personalised interactions. Whether it’s NPCs that dynamically adapt to players’ strategies or voice-activated tools that create seamless user engagement, AI agents will elevate onchain gaming to unprecedented levels.
AI-driven features are a core part of our roadmap. We recently launched The Agentic Report, blending cutting-edge AI technology with lifelike personalities to deliver truly interactive and personalised content experiences.
Our award-winning development team has already integrated complex AI systems into Gangs of Metacadia, showcasing how advanced AI can enhance gameplay. The second wave of AI will focus on usability, making interactions smarter, more intuitive, and more engaging.
As the industry embraces AI in 2025, we’re leading the charge to ensure these innovations are not only impactful but also accessible to the growing onchain gaming community. Voice AI, in particular, will play a pivotal role in reshaping how players connect with games.
Keep ahead of all our coverage on AI agents via our AI Agent tagged articles.
In the world of gaming, artificial intelligence has become increasingly sophisticated, allowing for more realistic and challenging gameplay. In 2025, one of the most advanced forms of AI agents in gaming are known as Mavens. These Mavens are designed to be expert players in a wide range of games, from first-person shooters to strategy games to puzzle games.Mavens are programmed with advanced algorithms that allow them to learn and adapt to new situations quickly. They can analyze game patterns, predict opponents’ moves, and make split-second decisions to outsmart their human counterparts. This makes them formidable opponents that can provide a truly challenging gaming experience.
But Mavens aren’t just about beating human players. They can also serve as valuable teammates, offering strategic advice and support in cooperative gameplay. Their ability to analyze vast amounts of data and make quick decisions can help human players improve their own skills and strategies.
Overall, Mavens represent the cutting edge of gaming AI technology in 2025. As they continue to evolve and improve, they will undoubtedly revolutionize the way we play and interact with games. So, get ready to face off against these formidable AI opponents and experience gaming like never before.
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- Gaming AI in 2025
#Mavens #gaming #agents
Federal agents raid immigration lawyer’s office in Providence
(WJAR) — Federal agents marched boxes of files out of a Providence immigration lawyer’s office Thursday afternoon, hours after their raid inside an office building on Dorrance St. began.
NBC 10 News observed agents from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the IRS go in and out of the office of Joseph Molina Flynn throughout the day.
The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rhode Island would not say what the raid is focused on, only that it is court authorized.
It would appear the raid was in the works before Donald Trump became president and began his crack down on illegal immigration.
Molina Flynn practices several areas of law, but is known for his work on immigration.
His biography notes that he came to the U.S. as a child as an undocumented immigrant before later becoming a citizen.
Molina Flynn was also a municipal court judge in Central Falls.
The mayor’s office said Thursday he has now resigned.
Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera said in a statement, “I was deeply concerned to see the reports of an FBI search at the law office of Joseph Molina Flynn. As the Central Falls community knows, transparency and accountability are priorities of mine. In an effort to uphold the integrity and focus of the Municipal Court, Judge Molina Flynn has officially resigned his position.”
It was unclear if Molina Flynn was in the office during the raid.
He has not been accused of any crime.
NBC 10 tried to reach him by phone.
In a shocking turn of events, federal agents have raided the office of an immigration lawyer in Providence, sparking outrage and concern within the immigrant community.The raid, which took place earlier this morning, is said to be part of an ongoing investigation into potential immigration fraud and other criminal activities. Sources have confirmed that documents and electronic devices were seized during the raid, but the specific details of the investigation have not been disclosed.
The immigration lawyer in question is well-known for their work in advocating for immigrant rights and providing legal assistance to those facing deportation. Many in the community have expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the raid, with some speculating that it may be politically motivated.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling for transparency and accountability from the authorities involved in the investigation. The immigrant community is already facing numerous challenges and hardships, and this raid only adds to their fears and uncertainty.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this troubling incident.
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- Federal agents raid
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#Federal #agents #raid #immigration #lawyers #office #Providence
Best landing spots for PFF’s top 15 free agents: Offense
• Tee Higgins would take the Chargers’ receiving corps up a notch: With Ladd McConkey and Higgins in tow, Justin Herbert would have more than enough weapons to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
• Amari Cooper could be the calming presence the Steelers’ WR corps needs: Pairing the even-keeled Cooper with George Pickens would be a prudent move to calm the Steelers’ receiver room and split defensive attention.
• 2025 NFL Draft season is here: Try PFF’s best-in-class Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2025’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team.
Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
NFL free agency is just a few months away. These are the best landing spots for PFF’s top 15 free agents on offense for the 2025 offseason.
Editor’s Note: PFF grades listed are from the past two seasons.
WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals: 84.6 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
For the second straight offseason, Higgins will be one of the most sought-after players on the market. Despite dealing with nagging injuries the past two seasons, Higgins erupted in 2024 and earned the highest PFF receiving grade of his career (88.3), ranking seventh among wide receivers.
The Chargers’ offensive success this season came despite their shallow receiving corps. Projected to own the sixth-most cap space this offseason, Los Angeles can afford to supply Justin Herbert with a dominant outside threat to pair with breakout first-year slot receiver Ladd McConkey.
G Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: 83.7 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: New England Patriots
With a glowing resume to boot and the youth to further develop, Trey Smith is entering free agency at the perfect time to cash in. And who better to sign that check than the team projected to hold the most cap space ($120 million) in the NFL this offseason?
The Patriots need to work fast to rebuild their offensive line, or they risk hindering the development of their young passer, Drake Maye. This offense ranked 29th in pressure rate allowed (39%) and surrendered the second-most interior pressures (118) in the NFL in 2024.
Trey Smith’s Career PFF Grades
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WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 83.8 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Denver Broncos
Before going down with a dislocated ankle in October, Godwin was on track to produce his best season as a pro since his breakout 2019 campaign. His 85.7 PFF receiving grade through Week 7 ranked third among receivers.
Given the success Bo Nix showed in his first season — despite having few proven weapons at his disposal — Denver will want to supplement its receiving corps this offseason. Sean Payton has shown a propensity to feed targets to receivers with a proven play-making track record, which Godwin is no stranger to, having seen 130-plus targets in each of his past three full seasons.
WR Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills: 77.2 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers
The 30-year-old Cooper will have his fair share of suitors on the open market, likely teams looking to add quality veteran leadership to their receiver room. What better place to provide that presence than a team with a history of animated receivers like Pittsburgh?
The Steelers were actively shopping for receiving help at the trade deadline, with reports linking them to several options, including the former Brown. Pairing the even-keeled Cooper with George Pickens would be a prudent move to calm the Steelers’ receiver room and split defensive attention.
T Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens: 73.7 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Washington Commanders
Stanley has made a living off protecting the most mobile passer the game has ever seen in Lamar Jackson, an immeasurable experience that would pay dividends to a Commanders offense looking to keep its young, dynamic passer, Jayden Daniels, upright.
Although Stanley’s 2021 ankle injury stalled his career, the veteran tackle generated a 75.0-plus PFF pass-blocking grade in each of his past three seasons.
QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings: 81.5 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
Although the redemption arc of Darnold returning to New York would be poetic, the Jets have too many questions at quarterback and likely not enough cap space to facilitate a deal for their former No. 3 overall pick. However, Las Vegas projects to hold the second-most cap space this offseason and currently sits outside of the range of one of the top passers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Raiders are in the process of a complete overhaul and are currently without a general manager, head coach or stable quarterback. With Tom Brady weighing in at the ownership level, this team could identify Darnold’s breakout 82.0 PFF overall grade in 2024 as more than just a flash in the pan. But much has to fall into place from now until March.
Highest-Graded Quarterbacks in the 2024 Regular Season
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WR Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans: 82.4 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: New York Giants
Diggs’ torn ACL in Week 8 will make for an interesting free-agency period between the 31-year-old receiver and teams this offseason. Prior to going down, Diggs showed no signs of slowing, on pace to produce his 10th straight campaign with a 77.0-plus PFF receiving grade.
With the Giants holding a top-three draft pick, expectations are that they will make a play for one of the top quarterbacks in the class. Pairing Diggs’ experience with Malik Nabers would provide a young passer with quality weapons in the receiving game and ample opportunity to produce quickly.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs: 83.5 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: New England Patriots
The Patriots made sizable investments to their receiver room during the 2024 NFL Draft, bringing in Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, but weren’t able to make strides in the passing game. Providing Drake Maye with a talented veteran on the outside who can also help elevate the team’s young talent would be a wise use of the Patriots’ league-leading cap space.
After his move to Kansas City, Hopkins generated a 78.3 PFF receiving grade while dealing with a knee injury. He hasn’t earned a season-long PFF overall grade below 70.0 since his rookie 2013 campaign.
T Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings: 67.6 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Rams
Robinson was one of the lone bright spots of the Jaguars’ dismal start to 2024. As a result, the team dealt him to the Vikings, where he filled in for the injured Christian Darrisaw. The change of scenery hindered Robinson’s effectiveness to the tune of a 67.2 PFF pass-blocking grade, but a track record of success in Jacksonville will still warrant a solid market.
With Alaric Jackson slated to hit free agency, the Rams will be looking to replace his 80.9 PFF overall grade on the outside.
QB Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers: 76.5 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: New York Jets
Despite ceding starting duties to Russell Wilson after leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record in 2024, Fields showed marked improvement. Through the first month of the year, the 25-year-old quarterback generated a 78.0 PFF passing grade, a mark that could have paced his career high.
The Jets are amidst an overhaul of football operations, searching for a general manager and head coach while also trying to navigate a strenuous situation under center. Aaron Rodgers’ future is very much in limbo. But, his $49 million dead cap hit in 2025 gives him significant leverage in those discussions. If New York hopes to move on from the veteran, it will have to eat that bill; leaving the team with little left over to negotiate for another passer.
RB Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings: 82.9 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders
Despite pushing 30 years old and finding a new home, Jones continued to perform with an exceptional level of consistency in Minnesota, having never produced a regular season below a 75.0 PFF overall grade. Armed with a new career-high mark in rushing yardage (1,138), Jones again enters the market.
Given the success he found playing with Sam Darnold in the Vikings’ backfield, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see the Raiders invest to bring that well-rounded production to Allegiant Stadium.
C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons: 84.8 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Chicago Bears
An early season ankle injury knocked Dalman out of the lineup for an extended period, but he returned to produce at a high level, typical of his resume. He generated a 78.8 PFF overall grade in his nine games in 2024. Dalman made strides in pass protection this past season, posting the lowest pressure rate of his career (3.7%).
With Coleman Shelton’s short-term deal manning the middle of this offensive line set to expire, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson may opt to replicate the success he found in Detroit with All-Pro center Frank Ragnow.
Highest-Graded Centers in the 2024 Regular Season
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G Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts: 69.8 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Houston Texans
Houston’s porous interior blocking proved to be a weakness the team struggled to overcome all year, and it ultimately sent the Texans packing from the playoffs. They surrendered the most interior sacks (24) in the NFL this season and will undoubtedly be looking to address that.
The Texans won’t be flush with cap space to spend on free agents this offseason. Fries, however, would be a match for this team, following his positive showing before going down in Week 5 with a serious leg fracture.
G Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears: 77.3 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: San Francisco 49ers
A series of nagging injuries plagued Jenkins’ 2024 campaign, but even still, he managed to produce well on the interior of this Bears’ offensive line. His 75.8 PFF pass-blocking grade stands as a career high for the 26-year-old guard after he allowed just a 3.8% pressure rate (also a career high).
The Niners nailed their selection of Dominick Puni in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft but still need to build up their interior. Adding Jenkins to the left side would complement both Puni at the other guard spot and Trent Williams on the outside.
G Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions: 81.6 PFF Grade
Best Landing Spot: Minnesota Vikings
Zeitler will be 35 years old when he hits the open market, but his long track record of sustained success across multiple franchises should warrant looks from decision-makers. With Detroit this season, Zeitler generated the best PFF run-blocking grade of his career (87.2), proving to be a key contributor during the Lions’ historic season.
The Vikings need all the help they can muster to halt the constant flow of interior pressure they experienced in 2024, having allowed the highest interior pressure rate (18.8%) in the NFL.
With NFL free agency fast approaching, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released their list of the top 15 free agents on offense. Here are the best landing spots for these elite players:1. Trent Williams, OT – Indianapolis Colts
2. Brandon Scherff, OG – Washington Football Team
3. Allen Robinson, WR – New York Jets
4. Corey Linsley, C – Los Angeles Chargers
5. Joe Thuney, OG – Cincinnati Bengals
6. Jonnu Smith, TE – Jacksonville Jaguars
7. Kenny Golladay, WR – Miami Dolphins
8. Will Fuller, WR – Green Bay Packers
9. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR – Baltimore Ravens
10. Curtis Samuel, WR – Carolina Panthers
11. Hunter Henry, TE – New England Patriots
12. Aaron Jones, RB – Buffalo Bills
13. Mike Hilton, CB – Cleveland Browns
14. Corey Davis, WR – New York Giants
15. Taylor Moton, OT – Arizona CardinalsThese potential landing spots offer each player the opportunity to excel in different systems and contribute to playoff-contending teams. Keep an eye on these free agents as they navigate the open market and potentially find new homes for the upcoming NFL season.
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#landing #spots #PFFs #top #free #agents #Offense
Team fits for six running backs set to become free agents in 2025
I don’t see the Chargers letting Dobbins walk out the door. He’s been a perfect fit in Jim Harbaugh’s run-first offense, rushing for a team-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns in his first year in Los Angeles. He missed four games with a knee injury, but this was still his healthiest season since his 2020 rookie campaign. Able to trust his body for most of the season while working behind the Chargers’ solid offensive line, Dobbins racked up 4.6 yards per carry, ninth-most in the NFL among the 27 players to log at least 175 rushing attempts in 2024. It would make sense for the Chargers to focus on building up the pass game this offseason, but it will still be paramount to retain a tackle-breaking bowling ball like Dobbins, who’ll provide a consistent rushing attack.
With the 2025 NFL season quickly approaching, several running backs are set to become free agents. Here are some potential team fits for six of the top running backs set to hit the market:1. Saquon Barkley – Miami Dolphins
With a need for a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, the Dolphins could pursue Barkley to complement their young quarterback and solid receiving corps.2. Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens
Henry’s bruising running style would fit perfectly in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, providing a powerful one-two punch alongside Lamar Jackson.3. Dalvin Cook – Los Angeles Chargers
Cook’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver would be a perfect fit in the Chargers’ high-powered offense, giving Justin Herbert another weapon to utilize.4. Alvin Kamara – Kansas City Chiefs
Kamara’s versatility and elusiveness would make him a perfect fit in the Chiefs’ explosive offense, providing Patrick Mahomes with another weapon to exploit mismatches.5. Nick Chubb – San Francisco 49ers
Chubb’s physical running style would fit well in the 49ers’ run-first offense, providing a reliable option to take pressure off their young quarterback.6. Aaron Jones – New England Patriots
Jones’ versatility as a runner and receiver would make him a valuable asset in the Patriots’ offense, providing Bill Belichick with another weapon to scheme around.As free agency approaches, these running backs will have plenty of suitors vying for their services, but these potential team fits could offer the best chance for success in the 2025 season.
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