Immigration agents arrest CPS vendor outside North Side school

Introduction to the Incident

An employee of a Chicago Public Schools vendor was taken into custody by federal agents outside a Far North Side school Tuesday, according to an email sent to the school’s community. Decatur Classical School officials said no students witnessed the vendor being taken or interacted with federal agents, according to the email, which was sent at 1:39 p.m. Afternoon physical education classes were held indoors out of an “abundance of caution,” though after-school programming went ahead as planned.

School Response and Protocol

School officials emphasized CPS would not work with federal agents or let them inside school buildings unless they present a criminal judicial warrant. “I know this situation has created many fears and concerns in our community, and I want to emphasize that we are taking this situation extremely seriously,” the West Ridge school said in the statement. “Our staff is well-versed in the proper protocols for keeping our students and school community safe in any event involving federal law enforcement.”

Investigation and Response from Authorities

In a response to a request for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said it was “actively looking into” the detainment and pointed to a Sept. 9 news release saying federal agents “do not raid” schools. “Officers would need secondary supervisor approval before any action can be taken in locations such as a school,” the September news release said. CPS didn’t have further information to share at the time of publication.

Impact and Community Concerns

The incident has raised concerns among the school community, with many fearing for the safety and well-being of students. The school’s decision to hold afternoon physical education classes indoors and continue with after-school programming as planned suggests an effort to maintain a sense of normalcy while also taking precautions.

Conclusion

The arrest of a CPS vendor by immigration agents outside a North Side school has sparked concern and highlighted the need for clear protocols and communication between schools, federal agents, and the community. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and to ensure that any actions taken are in accordance with established laws and protocols.

FAQs

1. What happened outside the North Side school?
   • An employee of a Chicago Public Schools vendor was taken into custody by federal agents.
2. Were students involved or witness to the incident?
   • No, according to school officials, no students witnessed the vendor being taken or interacted with federal agents.
3. How did the school respond to the incident?
   • The school held afternoon physical education classes indoors as a precaution and continued with after-school programming as planned.
4. What is the Department of Homeland Security’s stance on the incident?
   • They are “actively looking into” the detainment and have stated that federal agents do not raid schools without proper approval.
5. What is the current status of the investigation?
   • The situation is developing, and CPS didn’t have further information to share at the time of publication.