Immigrant communities in Chicago are facing fear and uncertainty as President Trump’s administration ramps up mass deportations across the nation.

On Jan. 26, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the launch of “Operation Safeguard,” an initiative to detain and deport undocumented immigrants in urban areas. Chicago Police Superintendent. Larry Snelling said ICE had deported more than 100 people in the Chicago area as of Jan. 28.

The effects of ICE raids have extended to schools, where students, parents and teachers are increasingly on edge.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, a 37-year-old man was detained by immigration officials outside of a school in Gage Park during school drop off.

ICE officials verified that Francisco Andrade-Berrera, a Mexican citizen, had been arrested. The Acero Schools network informed parents that the arrest took place near the intersection of 51st Street and South Saint Louis Avenue, according to reports.

Mariana Romero-Martinez, a preschool teacher at Hanson Park Elementary School for over 22 years, explained her students are too young to understand these unfortunate circumstances.

“It harms our students because some are scared to attend school,” Martinez said. “Whenever we hear of a nearby raid, our attendance immediately drops. When a student is not present, it affects our school budget.”

During the ongoing concern, Hanson Park Elementary School has taken the initiatives to gather and to hold informational sessions for parents to learn more about their rights, Martinez said. 

Martinez also explained that while teaching her students comes naturally, her main priority is creating a sense of safety in her classroom.

Teachers have been able to reassure concerned parents by informing them of the school administration’s protocol of denying entry to agents unless they present an official federal court order. This protocol, Martinez said, was communicated to teachers from their union and administrative officials.

Manuel Hernandez, a counselor at ASPIRA Early College High School, said he is focused on providing resources to his students and giving them a place to feel protected.

“We have been holding workshops and having meetings with parents and students. We want to be real with them,” Hernandez said.

ASPIRA Early College High School is predominantly made up of Latine students and faculty, and Hernandez said he tries to be as understanding as possible when students are absent. By educating his students and being flexible, he feels that he is fostering a safe learning environment that encourages them to persist.

“These kids have dreams too. They want to go to college and do something for their families who came (to this country) with only a few bucks and a dream,” Hernandez said.

Since 2022, Chicago has received over 51,000 immigrant arrivals from the southern border. Concerns regarding sanctuary have arisen in the city, including in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, which is predominantly Hispanic. Last month, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials caused worry after falsely claiming that ICE agents attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School, when it was actually U.S. Secret Service agents coming to investigate an online threat against Trump.

“People do not feel safe and it’s very understandable,” Hernandez said. “We are going to do our best to make sure that students feel safe in our school.”

Allison Tirres, a law professor at DePaul University, explained that ICE needs a judicial warrant to enter any building. Schools are not required to allow ICE inside or let them question students otherwise.

“I think ICE is relying on people either not knowing that or feeling pressured by law enforcement and opening their doors when they don’t need to or are required to,” Tirres said.

Tirres also expressed concern for the potential of ICE presence on school grounds.

“I think there should be a worry,” Tirres said. “It’s unclear to me if we’ll see an increase because I think it’s part of a fear campaign … I wouldn’t predict that the enforcement in schools would increase a lot, but it’s hard to know.”

As previously reported by La DePaulia, elected officials and residents gathered to promote resilience in the face of ongoing threats in a Day of Love and Resistance in Little Village three weeks ago. Hernandez, who spent most of his life in the neighborhood, was present at the protest.

“Seeing that there were businesses who were willing to speak up, who are willing to stand up for what’s right … speaks volumes because it creates a bigger sense of community,” Hernandez said. “Yes, there is fear. However, with fear comes preparation and strength.

At a press conference before the protest, Illinois Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García said he reintroduced the Sensitive Locations Protection Act to Congress. The legislation would protect vulnerable locations in immigrant communities, such as schools, churches and places of worship.

Churches have become a focal point in the aftermath of mass deportations. Over the past month, Lincoln United Methodist Church has moved its Spanish language services online, prioritizing the safety of their congregants over gathering in person.

As raids continue, uncertainty lingers. Still, educators are committed to providing reassurance to their students one way or another.

“If we don’t do it, who’s going to?” said Hernandez.

Related Stories:

• ‘A day of love and resistance’: Little Village residents protest Chicago ICE raids
• Chicago’s undocumented community and immigrant organizations work together to curb fear of Trump’s mass deportation plans
• Chicago’s Little Village on edge amid deportation concerns

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