On Friday afternoon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were observed at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood, raising alarms within the local immigrant community. The sighting came shortly after the Trump administration confirmed that Illinois was among several states where hundreds of immigration-related arrests had recently been conducted, sparking fear and uncertainty among immigrant families in the area.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova addressed the incident during a press conference, emphasizing that ICE agents were not permitted to enter the school or interact with students or staff. Her statement sought to reassure the community and underline CPS’s commitment to protecting its students and families.
“Earlier today, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School,” Chkoumbova said. “School staff promptly followed CPS-established protocols by keeping the ICE agents outside and immediately contacting the CPS Law Department and the Office of Safety and Security for guidance. The agents were not allowed entry into the building nor permitted to speak with any students or staff. The bottom line is that our students and staff remain safe, and our protocols were followed correctly.”
The situation unfolded quickly, prompting swift action from school staff, local officials, and community organizations. Members of the nonprofit Increase the Peace’s Rapid Response Team arrived on the scene to provide support and assistance to concerned families and community members. Their presence underscored the importance of solidarity and advocacy in times of heightened tension for immigrant communities.
Hamline Elementary School Principal Natasha Ortega praised the efforts of her staff in upholding the school’s safety protocols and maintaining a secure environment for students. “I am incredibly grateful to our Hamline staff for their swift actions in upholding our safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of our students,” Ortega stated. “We will not open our doors to ICE unnecessarily. Our priority is to protect our children and ensure they continue to receive an excellent education. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community.”
While ICE officials have not confirmed whether the agents’ presence was tied to enforcement actions or raids in the area, the incident has reignited concerns among Chicago’s immigrant communities. Families worry about the possibility of heightened enforcement activity and its potential impact on their children’s safety and education.
In response to these fears, CPS reiterated its commitment to supporting immigrant families and reminded them of their rights. The district continues to offer resources to help families navigate concerns related to immigration enforcement activities. CPS’s protocols are designed to prioritize student safety, ensuring that schools remain secure and focused on education, even in the face of potential external disruptions.
The incident has also sparked broader conversations about the role of schools as sanctuaries for immigrant families. Advocates and community leaders are calling for increased protections for schools and other public institutions to prevent them from becoming battlegrounds for immigration enforcement.
For now, Hamline Elementary School remains a symbol of resilience and community solidarity. The swift actions of its staff, supported by CPS leadership and local organizations, highlight the importance of preparedness and a unified stance in protecting vulnerable populations.
As the investigation into the ICE agents’ presence continues, Chicago’s immigrant community remains vigilant, united in their commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe havens for all children. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by immigrant families and the importance of community efforts to support and protect them during uncertain times.
