CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago day care center employee, Diana Santillana Galeano, was released last week after being detained by immigration agents at her workplace as children were being dropped off. Her release came after a video surfaced showing officers struggling with her during the incident on November 5 at the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center.
Her attorney, Charlie Wysong, announced her release from a detention center in Indiana a few days later, expressing gratitude for the support from the community. “We are thrilled that Ms. Santillana was released, and has been able to return home to Chicago where she belongs,” Wysong stated in a message appealing for privacy during her recovery.
This case is reflective of the aggressive immigration enforcement tactics under the current administration, particularly during the Operation Midway Blitz, which has resulted in thousands of immigration arrests throughout the Chicago area. Santillana’s detention while working at a day care was considered particularly unusual and alarming by many advocates.
“I love our community and the children I teach, and I can’t wait to see them again,” she expressed in a statement, voicing her gratitude to supporters and marking a hopeful return.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Santillana entered the U.S. illegally in June 2023 but obtained work authorization under the Biden administration. The department denied claims that the day care was specifically targeted in the enforcement operation.
