Secret Service agents thwarted at Chicago school after threat investigation
- Federal agents attempted to enter a Chicago elementary school but were stopped by school staff.
- School officials initially mistook the agents for ICE, raising concerns in the Latino community.
- The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and local protections for undocumented residents.
On January 24, 2025, U.S. Secret Service agents attempted to gain entry to an elementary school in Chicago while investigating a potential threat. Initially, reports indicated the agents were from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), leading to fears among school officials and the community. These concerns arose because the school primarily serves a Latino population. Chicago Public Schools staff, fearing an unauthorized immigration raid, denied the agents access since they did not possess a signed warrant. The Secret Service clarified that their visit was to investigate a nearby threat and they never entered the school. Furthermore, CPS reiterated that they adhere to the Illinois Trust Act and the Welcoming Ordinance, which protect undocumented individuals from federal immigration enforcement. The incident has raised important discussions around the relationship between local schools and federal agencies as communities navigate the complexities of safety, law enforcement, and immigration policies.