Chicago school claims to block ICE entry, was really Secret Service

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) claimed to have faced an unprecedented situation Friday morning, Jan. 24, when agents attempted to enter one of the district’s elementary schools. However, while the visiting agents were initially reported to be from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it was later clarified that they were with the U.S. Secret Service.

CPS responds to unauthorized entry attempt

According to CPS officials, the incident occurred at an elementary school on Friday morning. Federal agents attempted to enter the building but school staff stopped them at the door.

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“The ICE agents were not allowed into the school and were not permitted to speak to any students or staff members,” said Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova.

US Secret Service clarifies the situation

Following the incident, the U.S. Secret Service said their agents were at the school due to a potential nearby threat. They believed someone they needed to speak with might have been inside the school, but agents never entered.

CPS sticks to district protocol

CPS officials stressed that they followed all protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff and reaffirmed their commitment to following state and city laws.

Under the Illinois Trust Act, local law enforcement is prohibited from enforcing federal immigration laws or working with federal agencies to check a person’s immigration status.

Additionally, Chicago’s Welcoming Ordinance, which designates the city as a sanctuary city, offers added protection for people who reside there without proper documentation.

Chkoumbova said, “CPS does not ask for our families’ immigration status.”