On Friday, January 24, 2025, agents from the U.S. Secret Service attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. Initially, school officials believed these agents were from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to significant concern among the school’s predominantly Latino community. However, it was later clarified that the agents were from the Secret Service, investigating a threat against a government official. The agents did not enter the school or interact with students or staff.
This incident occurred amid heightened fears of immigration enforcement in schools, following the Trump administration’s recent policy changes. The administration has eliminated previous policies that restricted immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals. This change has raised concerns that such locations could become targets for immigration arrests, potentially deterring immigrant families from accessing essential services.
In response to these concerns, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reiterated its commitment to protecting students and staff. CPS officials stated that they will not allow ICE agents into schools without a valid judicial warrant, emphasizing the district’s dedication to student safety and privacy. The confusion at Hamline Elementary underscores the anxiety within immigrant communities regarding potential immigration enforcement actions in educational settings. School officials are working to reassure families and maintain a safe environment for all students.