ICE Arrests Criminal Immigrants in Chicago-Area School
On Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended two undocumented immigrants seeking refuge in a school in the Chicago area, presumably hoping to take advantage of the state’s sanctuary policies.
The two individuals, both from Mexico, had extensive criminal records and had sought shelter at the Oplain campus of Warren Township High School in Gurnee, which is located north of Chicago.
During their escape from law enforcement, they reportedly led the police on a short car chase lasting about ten minutes, causing several traffic accidents, before they abandoned their vehicle and ran towards the school.
Concerns have been raised regarding ICE’s presence in educational institutions. Daniel Woestman, the superintendent of Warren Township High School District 121, acknowledged that some may be unsettled by the disruption caused by the incident.
“There were students actively coming out the door while one of the suspects entered the door, so it stands to reason that there was some type of physical contact between the students and the federal officer,” Woestman noted. He also mentioned that he expressed his concerns to investigators after things had calmed down.
The Department of Homeland Security pointed fingers at the criminals, stating that they endangered the public by instigating the high-speed chase and seeking refuge on school grounds, which they presumed to be safe from ICE enforcement. “While Border Patrol does not conduct operations near schools, we will not allow criminal illegal aliens to endanger the public,” the DHS stated.
Customs and Border Protection criticized local media for allegedly glossing over essential facts, emphasizing that the two individuals had prior convictions for offenses such as domestic assault, drug-related crimes, and kidnapping.
The arrest occurred shortly after Illinois’ governor, JB Pritzker, requested that ICE and DHS suspend immigration enforcement for Halloween on October 31, stating, “We want kids to be kids. Children shouldn’t be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemicals while trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods.”
However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem disputed the governor’s claims, insisting that the arrest of dangerous criminals is vital for ensuring community safety. “We are never going to pause the work we do to keep our communities safe,” Noem emphasized at a press conference just before the holiday. She criticized Pritzker’s request, saying it was shameful and highlighting the importance of their efforts to remove criminals from the streets, particularly during times when children are out enjoying the festivities.
