Sat Jan 25 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Secret Service, Not ICE, Visited Chicago Elementary School, Causing Confusion and Fear
**CHICAGO** – A misunderstanding involving federal agents visiting Hamline Elementary School on Friday sparked fear and confusion among parents and school officials, but ultimately proved to be a case of mistaken identity.
Initially, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had attempted to enter the South Side school. However, the U.S. Secret Service later clarified that their agents were at the location investigating a threat at a nearby residence. They were directed to the school believing their target was there, but the Secret Service emphasized that they did not enter the school building.
The nature of the threat remains unclear. CPS officials issued a statement acknowledging the initial misidentification, attributing it to a combination of agents presenting Department of Homeland Security identification (DHS oversees both ICE and the Secret Service) and heightened community anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement.
Hamline Elementary, which has a student population that is 92% Latino according to the 2025 Illinois Report Card, went into a brief soft lockdown as a precaution. School officials followed established protocols and denied entry to the agents. Principal Natasha Ortega affirmed the school’s commitment to protecting students, stating, “We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the situation on social media, urging against the spread of unverified information. The incident fueled existing concerns within immigrant communities following the Trump administration’s announced plans to target schools and churches for deportation efforts.
While the situation resolved without incident, the initial confusion underscored the anxieties felt by many. Parents expressed concerns about the incident, highlighting the heightened sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement in the community. CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) reiterated that schools are safe havens and will not allow ICE access without a valid warrant. Chicago police were not notified of the incident. Community groups rallied in support of the school, emphasizing the importance of protecting students and their learning environment. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between federal agencies and local communities, especially amid heightened anxieties about immigration policy.
First Piper 