CHICAGO — A Chicago daycare center was thrust into the spotlight as immigration authorities detained an employee on-site during the morning drop-off routine, alarming parents and raising questions about aggressive enforcement practices under the current administration.
Witnesses reported that the employee ran from a vehicle into the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center just as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrived. The individual was reportedly detained while asserting her rights, leading to a chaotic scene as parents dropped off their children.
City officials expressed concern over the incident, categorizing it as an unusual application of ICE protocols, particularly given the timing that coincided with children arriving at the center.
This incident is part of a broader trend, with more than 3,000 immigration arrests occurring in the Chicago area since early September under “Operation Midway Blitz.” Such operations have seen agents utilizing militarized tactics including nighttime raids and the deployment of tear gas at protests.
Video footage shared online showed officers in tactical gear facilitating the apprehension as parents gathered outside, visibly upset. Many expressed outrage, believing that children should not be subjected to such traumatic experiences.
“These are the nicest, kindest people,” a parent stated in regard to the detained employee. “They don’t deserve this, and neither do our children.”
Supporters of the crackdown argue that these measures target sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. In reaction to the heavy-handed tactics, some community members have begun to vocalize their opposition to such approaches, demanding reforms and protection for local workers.
As of now, officials from ICE and the daycare have not issued public statements regarding the incident, leaving parents and community members with unresolved questions about their loved ones' safety and the future of local immigrant workers.
