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.”
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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.
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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.
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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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