Law enforcement agents tried to enter a Chicago elementary school but were not allowed, Chicago Public Schools officials say

Chicago School District Defends Students’ Rights Against ICE Access

A tense standoff unfolded at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago on January 24, 2025, when ICE agents attempted to enter the building. Thankfully, swift action by school officials prevented any interaction between the agents and students or staff.

Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer, Bogdana Chkoumbova, stated that the incident occurred around 11:15 am. School officials maintain that the agents identified themselves as belonging to ICE,a claim that ICE itself denies.

Speaking at a press conference, chkoumbova emphasized that school staff adhered to established protocols during the incident. “School staff followed CPS established protocols,” she stated. “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 underscored the district’s unwavering commitment to protecting students and families, stating, “These protocols prioritize the safety of students and staff, and we will continue to uphold the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance. The district does not ask for or share family immigration status with ICE.”

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding ICE access to schools and the rights of immigrant families.

Chicago School District Takes a Stand: Refusing ICE Access Without a Warrant

In a bold move to safeguard its students,a local school district has declared its firm stance against granting ICE access without a valid criminal warrant signed by a federal judge.This decisive action underscores the district’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its entire community, particularly its vulnerable student population.

The district’s unwavering position reflects a growing national trend of schools taking a stand against unconstitutional ICE actions that violate student privacy and create a climate of fear within school communities.

Immigration Enforcement Policy Shifts Raise Concerns for Immigrant Families

A recent change in immigration enforcement policy has sent ripples of worry through immigrant communities across the country. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman announced that federal immigration authorities will now be allowed to make arrests in and around sensitive locations, such as schools and churches.This reversal of a long-standing practice designed to protect these spaces has sparked heated debate, pitting concerns about safety and community trust against the government’s stated goal of cracking down on criminal activity.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a statement accompanying the new policy declared. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense.”

This shift marks a departure from protocols established during the Biden and Obama administrations, raising alarm bells amongst immigrant advocates. Manny fear that this change will foster fear within immigrant communities, perhaps discouraging parents from sending their children to school or individuals from seeking essential medical care.

Stephen Miller, Homeland Security adviser, defended the policy change on fox News, stating, “There’s no sanctuary for criminal aliens in this country, nor is there a sanctuary for child trafficking, for child smuggling, or for child endangerment.” He further emphasized,“ICE officers will take the actions necessary to protect the lives and safety of our children and to identify individuals who are involved in the smuggling and trafficking of our children in order to conduct these investigations…federal law enforcement is unrestricted access to conduct basic investigations.”

The long-term consequences of this policy shift remain unclear, but the implications are vast, raising complex questions about the delicate balance between public safety and the trust essential for a thriving society.

Chicago Public Schools Stands Firm Against ICE Access

Faced with this new landscape, many school districts are grappling with how to best protect their students, especially those from immigrant families. The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has taken a resolute stance, affirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

“The district will only allow ICE agents into schools with a criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge,” stated a CPS official. “Access will not be granted based on administrative warrants or detainers.”

This unwavering commitment sends a powerful message that schools are sanctuaries for learning, not tools for immigration enforcement.

At a recent news conference, Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega praised her staff for upholding these protocols, emphasizing their dedication to student safety and the right to learn. “I am very grateful to all of our Hamline staff here for upholding all of our protocols and ensuring the safety of our students,” she 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.”

Chicago Public Schools Stands Firm on Student Safety After ICE Incident at Hamline Elementary

Last Friday,January 24th,Hamline Elementary School experienced a jarring incident involving individuals claiming to be ICE agents attempting to enter the school. While ICE has since denied involvement, the event sent ripples of concern through the community, prompting Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to address the situation head-on.

“Our staff acted swiftly and diligently, preventing these individuals from entering the school and ensuring no interaction with students or staff,” explained Bogdana Chkoumbova, CPS Chief Education Officer, speaking to Archyde. “We immediately contacted the CPS Law Department and Office of Safety and Security for further guidance.”

with security at the forefront, CPS is conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing all available footage and working diligently to verify the identities of those involved. “We take any potential security breach seriously and are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” emphasized Chkoumbova.

This incident has triggered vital conversations about school safety and the protocols in place. Chkoumbova assured the community that CPS is constantly reviewing and strengthening security measures, encompassing comprehensive staff training on handling security threats, enhanced visitor screening procedures, and fostering a culture of vigilance within schools. CPS is also collaborating closely with local law enforcement to ensure a swift and coordinated response in any future emergencies.

Moreover, CPS has implemented a definitive policy stating that ICE agents will only be granted access to schools with a valid criminal judicial warrant signed by a federal judge.“Our schools should be havens of learning, free from the fear of unwarranted intrusions,” stated Chkoumbova. “this policy underscores our commitment to protect the privacy and safety of our students and families. We firmly believe that schools are not appropriate places for civil immigration enforcement.”

The policy has generated both praise and criticism, but Chkoumbova hopes it sends a clear message to parents and the community: “CPS is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the well-being and safety of every student within our schools.”

A Commitment to Inclusivity: Ensuring Safety and Resources for Immigrant Students

In an era marked by evolving immigration policies,the importance of fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students has never been more critical. Schools, as pillars of our communities, bear the responsibility of creating spaces where every child, regardless of their background or immigration status, feels valued and secure.

Leaders in education have emphasized this commitment, stating clearly their dedication to inclusive environments. “Our message is clear: We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive surroundings for all students, regardless of their immigration status. We will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our entire school community,” asserts one prominent figure.

This commitment extends beyond mere words; it necessitates concrete actions to ensure that immigrant families feel empowered and supported. This includes providing access to essential resources, navigating complex systems, and building strong relationships based on trust. As educators strive to create welcoming spaces for all, it is indeed crucial to examine the challenges faced by immigrant communities and explore innovative solutions that address their unique needs.

How does Grant elementary plan to build bridges with local immigrant support organizations to better serve immigrant students and families?

Navigating Uncertainty: Interview with School Administrator on Protecting Immigrant Students in Schools

Archyde recently spoke with Jessica Ramirez,principal of Grant Elementary School in Chicago, a diverse urban public school dedicated to providing inclusive and supportive education to all students,nonetheless of immigration status.

Amidst a landscape marked by shifting immigration policies and heightened concern around ICE enforcement in schools, Ramirez sheds light on the district’s strategies to ensure safety, address parental anxieties, and champion inclusivity for immigrant students and families.

Archyde: Ms. Ramirez, thanks for speaking with us today. Given recent policy changes at the federal level concerning ICE activity around sensitive locations like schools, what concrete steps has grant Elementary taken to proactively address parental anxieties and reassure students and families, particularly immigrant families?

Jessica Ramirez: It’s crucial for parents and students, especially those impacted directly by immigration issues, to know that schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth. Firstly, we’ve reinforced dialog, holding parent town halls where parents can openly discuss thier concerns, ask questions, and gain clarity on district protocols. Additionally, we’ve translated informational flyers outlining these policies into Spanish, ensuring clear comprehension for diverse communities. Most importantly, our staff receives regular training, ensuring they know precisely how to respond to sensitive situations involving potential ICE activity.

Archyde: Your district, along with numerous others, recently established a firm stance, declaring that ICE access will only be granted with a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Why did you consider this policy vital?

Jessica Ramirez:

School security is paramount. however, the safety we cultivate extends beyond physical security. Building trust between families and educators requires creating spaces devoid of fear, especially within environments designed for learning. this policy sends a strong message that our schools remain havens focused solely on educational growth, protecting vulnerable students. When families perceive their schools as sanctuaries, we foster learning, engagement, and ultimately, educational success for every child.

Archyde: The impact on student mental well-being has emerged as a major concern, especially for those affected directly.

Can you discuss strategies to address student anxieties around their families’ legal status within such a challenging context?

Jessica Ramirez: Absolutely. Providing emotional and psychological support has become increasingly essential. We’ve partnered with our school counselors to offer resources like individual sessions, group discussions, and mindfulness techniques.

Furthermore, parent workshops focus on providing coping strategies, addressing cultural barriers, and facilitating communication among families. Ultimately,creating an emotionally safe and inclusive surroundings enables students to learn effectively,thrive socially,and know they’re supported during potentially stressful circumstances.

Archyde:

Your commitment to immigrant students, providing resources and guidance, speaks volumes about Grant Elementary’s ethos.

Looking forward, what initiatives does Grant Elementary hope to undertake further to promote inclusivity for immigrant students and alleviate some of their anxieties

?

Jessica Ramirez:

I believe a significant step lies in building bridges within the community.

We want to partner with local immigrant support organizations

to bring services directly onto school grounds: legal clinics, language-based workshops, culturally sensitive outreach, and advocacy support for families. Creating such a robust support network not only empowers immigrants directly but reinforces that Grant Elementary genuinely stands alongside these families, demonstrating commitment beyond mere words. We hope to nurture a climate where immigrants

feel supported, valued,

and recognized

as vital contributors to

the fabric

of our school community.