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

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

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to enter a Chicago elementary school Friday morning but were denied access or the opportunity to speak with anyone inside, according to Chicago Public Schools officials.

Around 11:15 a.m., ICE agents tried to enter Hamline Elementary School.

“School staff followed CPS established protocols,” CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said at a news conference on Friday. “They kept ICE agents out of the school and contacted the CPS law department and the CPS Office of Safety and Security for assistance. The ICE agents were not permitted to enter the school and speak with any students or staff members.

Chkoumbova emphasized that protocols were followed to ensure student and staff safety, and she reaffirmed CPS’ commitment to protecting students and families in accordance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance.

Hamline Principal Natasha Ortega stated at the news conference that staff followed protocols to ensure students’ safety and uphold their right to an education.

“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 told the crowd. “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 repeal of two directives that prohibited federal immigration authorities from arresting people and conducting enforcement actions in and near places like churches and schools, 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 prosecution. The Trump administration will not bind the hands of our brave law enforcement officers, but rather trusts them to use common sense,” the statement reads.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement implemented a policy in 2011 that prohibits agents from making arrests in sensitive areas. The Biden administration issued similar guidance.

Immigrant advocates have expressed concerns about repealing the policy, arguing that doing so would instill fear in immigrant communities, preventing children from attending school and people from seeking medical care.

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