US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents made an attempt to enter Hamline Elementary School in Chicago on Friday morning but were denied access by school officials. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. local time when ICE agents approached the school premises.
According to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials, the school staff promptly followed established protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff. CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova stated that the ICE agents were kept outside the school, and CPS law department and Office of Safety and Security were contacted for further guidance. The agents were not allowed entry into the school and were prohibited from interacting with any students or staff members.
Chkoumbova emphasized that the protocols were strictly adhered to in order to safeguard the well-being of everyone on the school grounds. CPS reiterated its commitment to protecting students and families in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance.
The Hamline Principal expressed gratitude towards the school staff for upholding the protocols and ensuring the safety of the students. The Principal affirmed that the school would not open its doors to ICE and reiterated the dedication to protecting children and providing them with quality education.
Earlier in the week, acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman announced the termination of two directives that previously restricted federal immigration authorities from conducting enforcement actions in sensitive areas like churches and schools. This policy shift marks a departure from the longstanding practice of avoiding enforcement activities in such locations.
