Introduction to the Incident
First grade teacher Maria Heavener describes Funston Elementary School as a “sanctuary” for students in the heavily Latino western part of the Logan Square neighborhood. That sense of safety was violated last Friday when a federal agent threw a tear gas canister from their vehicle across the street and the gas wafted over the school property.
The Incident Unfolds
“Tear gas filled the streets, blowing into the parking lot of Rico Fresh [grocery store] and toward the direction of our playground across the street,” Heavener told reporters Thursday morning outside the school at 2010 N. Central Park Ave., flanked by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Teachers Union officials. Heavener had left her windows open that day as she taught addition and subtraction. She then heard the whistling of a colleague who had spotted federal immigration agents across the street. As gas filled the streets, students ran inside and teachers stood between the children and federal agents after school was dismissed.
Impact on Students
The young students feel scared and worried about what happened, Heavener said. “A 6-year-old should not have to know what a tear gas canister is. And a sixth grader should not be too afraid to come to school because she believes that [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] will bust down our doors,” she said. Heavener said the incident Friday “was the first time that my students had ever seen that level of violence in our community taking place right there on the corner of Central Park and Armitage Avenue.”
Response from Authorities
A masked agent throws a chemical irritant out of a vehicle in Logan Square last Friday. Provided by Andrew Denton
City’s Stance
Chicago Public Schools has since created a command center to monitor the activity of immigration agents. Johnson signed an executive order making city properties “ICE-free zones” and allowing private businesses to do the same. Johnson said the incident near Funston last week shows how the educational community, from which he hails, is standing up for students and immigrant families as President Donald Trump’s administration increases its immigration arrest campaign and deploys National Guard Troops against his and Gov. JB Pritzker’s wishes.
Critical Moment for the City
The city and nation are at a “critical moment,” Johnson said. “We’re at a moment in which we have a federal government that has not only trampled on our Constitution, but it has declared war on American cities, in particular Chicago. We saw last week when ICE indiscriminately deployed tear gas on our community. It didn’t matter if you were an immigrant or if you were born here. That tear gas did not discriminate,” Johnson said. Asked by a reporter if Chicago is at a “combustible” moment, Johnson said Trump has declared war on the city. “This president is escalating violence, you know, he is spreading fear. That’s his — this is, you know — his modus operandi,” Johnson said.
Preparation for National Guard Troops
Johnson said Chicago is prepared for the deployment of National Guard troops in the city. He emphasized that the troops don’t have policing powers and are not trained for that. “So the very thing that he is saying that he’s going to send them here to do — they can’t,” Johnson said.
Conclusion
The incident at Funston Elementary School highlights the need for a safe and secure environment for all students, regardless of their background. The city’s response to the incident, including the creation of a command center and the signing of an executive order making city properties “ICE-free zones,” demonstrates its commitment to protecting its residents. As the nation continues to grapple with issues of immigration and national security, it is essential that cities like Chicago take a stand to ensure the well-being and safety of all members of their communities.
FAQs
Q: What happened at Funston Elementary School?
A: A federal agent threw a tear gas canister from their vehicle across the street, and the gas wafted over the school property.
Q: How did the students react to the incident?
A: The young students feel scared and worried about what happened.
Q: What has the city done in response to the incident?
A: Chicago Public Schools has created a command center to monitor the activity of immigration agents, and the mayor has signed an executive order making city properties “ICE-free zones.”
Q: Is Chicago prepared for the deployment of National Guard troops?
A: Yes, according to the mayor, the city is prepared, and the troops don’t have policing powers and are not trained for that.
