CHICAGO (WGN) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took a working day care teacher into custody on Wednesday morning in Chicago, Nexstar’s WGN confirmed.
The incident happened around 7:05 a.m. at Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center in the North Center neighborhood.
An SUV of federal agents followed the teacher’s vehicle to the day care, then proceeded to follow her into the building — where children were in attendance at the time.
Video from the scene captured two agents dragging the teacher from the day care, taking her into custody.
According to Congressman Mike Quigley, the agents did not have a warrant.
“It’s just absolute terror. Why are you at a day care at 7 in the morning? This isn’t right. This isn’t American. This isn’t who we are. It’s an absolute travesty,” said Adam Gonzalez, a lawyer and rapid response team member.
Those sentiments were also echoed by Alderman Matt Martin, who was quickly alerted on what happened.
“ICE agents followed her in and violently detained her. There was a child inside, they identified it as a school. Her sister was on site and showed her paperwork. ICE took her away, nevertheless,” said Ald. Martin. He added, “This is truly horrible. You have the president who will say ‘we’re taking the worst of the worst off the streets’ and ‘there’s more to come in Chicago’ and like, what else? They’ve come to hospitals. They’ve come to day cares. What’s next?”
Quigley and other lawmakers held a press conference Wednesday afternoon denouncing the actions with parents in attendance who witnessed it.
In a statement, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed the teacher and a man were being pursued by federal agents and they did not target the day care:
“ICE law enforcement did NOT target a Daycare. Officers attempted to conduct a targeted traffic stop of this female illegal alien from Colombia. Officers attempted to pull over this vehicle, which was registered to a female illegal alien, with sirens and emergency lights, but the male driver refused to pull the vehicle over. Law enforcement pursued the vehicle before the assailant sped into a shopping plaza where he and the female passenger fled the vehicle. They ran into a daycare and attempted to barricade themselves inside the daycare—recklessly endangering the children inside. The illegal alien female was arrested inside a vestibule, not in the school. Upon arrest, she lied about her identity. The vehicle is registered to in her name, though she claims that she didn’t know the man who was driving her car and just picked him up from a bus stop. Facts including criminality and information on the male assailant are forthcoming and we will update the public with more information as soon as it becomes available.”
DHS added the woman arrested has been in the country illegally since 2023.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez claimed she saw footage from inside the day care that will come out “in the next few hours” that contradicts the DHS statement of agents entering the school.
“She’s telling them, ‘I have papers. I have documentation,’ and they did not care, used a lot of force on her while taking her out,” Mary Lou Moctezuma, a parent of a child who attends the day care, said.
The school is closed through next Monday and confirmed a teacher was detained when arriving for work. The statement is below.
“Today, a teacher at Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center – Roscoe Village was detained by agents from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when arriving at work. Rayito de Sol staff and leadership were not involved, nor did they have prior knowledge.”
“As you may have seen through news reports and social media, it appears that two agents entered the location despite signage indicating that it is a private business, and despite not presenting any judicial warrant. Our teachers and staff took quick action to maintain the safety and security of all children during this time.”
“As always, our primary focus is the well-being of the children whose care has been entrusted to us. We know this news is frightening and concerning for you and your children. The National Institute of Mental Health’s advice and guidance for conversations with children after traumatic events is an initial resource.”
“Our Roscoe Village location is currently closed and will reopen Monday, Nov. 10. Credits will be applied to your next month. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
“We are providing additional support to our teachers and staff, and our families, during this time. We are also actively examining efforts to assist our detained teacher. At this time, we appreciate your understanding around this situation and help in maintaining our teachers’ privacy and the privacy our all our students and staff.”
