Chicago, IL — A dramatic immigration operation at a Chicago day care center Wednesday morning left parents and children shaken after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained a staff member during drop-off hours. Witnesses say the woman, identified as a Colombian national, was taken into custody at the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center as families arrived with their children.
The Morning Arrest
According to Alderman Matt Martin, the incident unfolded just after 7 a.m. when immigration officers pulled into the preschool parking lot. The employee reportedly ran into the building as agents followed her inside.
“The employee was detained at the entry while telling authorities she has papers,” Martin said, citing witness accounts.
Officers wearing “POLICE ICE” vests entered the facility and began questioning staff as parents looked on in disbelief. Video circulating online showed at least one agent restraining the woman outside the entrance.
The incident comes amid “Operation Midway Blitz,” a large-scale enforcement initiative that has led to more than 3,000 immigration arrests in the Chicago area since early September, according to The Associated Press.
Homeland Security Statement
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the woman entered the United States illegally in June 2023 but had obtained work authorization under the Biden administration. DHS officials also said her 16- and 17-year-old children recently crossed the border near El Paso, Texas, and were later placed in a government shelter for unaccompanied minors in Chicago.
Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied claims that the day care itself was targeted.
“They ran into a daycare and attempted to barricade themselves inside — recklessly endangering the children inside,” McLaughlin said.
The agency maintains that agents were attempting to pull over a vehicle registered to the woman, and the driver’s failure to stop led to the confrontation at the preschool.
Parents React in Shock
Parents described the scene as chaotic and frightening, with uniformed officers outside as children arrived for class.
“These are the nicest, kindest people. They don’t deserve this, and these children don’t deserve to be living through it,” said Esmeralda Rosales, a parent whose 9-month-old child attends the preschool.
Another parent, Chris Widen, who arrived during the arrest, said he was stunned by the timing and force of the operation.
“It came at the school during the busiest time of drop-off where kids and families had to witness a teacher being forcibly removed and agents kitted up in tactical gear,” Widen said.
Adam Gonzalez, who was also dropping off his child, captured part of the incident on video.
“The world needs to see what’s happening — this is not fake, this is real,” Gonzalez said.
Wider Concerns Over Enforcement Near Schools
The incident has reignited debate over ICE operations near schools and childcare centers, with critics calling the tactics reckless and traumatizing for children.
In recent months, similar incidents have been reported across the country:
- In Portland, Oregon, agents confronted a man in a preschool parking lot as children looked on.
- In Los Angeles, ICE officers handcuffed a disabled teen outside a high school before realizing he was not their target.
- In Chicago, tear gas was deployed near an elementary school playground during a separate immigration raid.
Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official who has overseen recent crackdowns in Los Angeles and Chicago, defended the aggressive approach.
“I didn’t have any reason to think it would be this bad, but it’s far worse than I ever thought,” Bovino said. “Our agents are sanctuary busters,” he added, referring to cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Day Care Closed Following Raid
Rayito de Sol, which operates eight locations across Illinois and Minnesota, did not respond to requests for comment. The Chicago location closed for the day following the incident as parents gathered outside the school, expressing anger and concern for staff and students.
Local leaders say they plan to review how ICE operations are being conducted near children’s facilities, warning that such actions could have long-lasting emotional impacts on families.
What are your thoughts on this controversial raid and its effect on Chicago families? Share your views in the comments below.
