Chicago, IL — Parents and educators were left shaken on Wednesday morning after federal immigration agents arrested a Chicago day care teacher just moments after the center opened, in an incident that witnesses described as “violent” and “traumatic.”
The arrest happened shortly after 7 a.m. at Rayito de Sol, a Spanish immersion day care and preschool located on Addison Street near Western Avenue. The scene unfolded in front of parents, teachers, and children waiting to start their day.
Witnesses Describe “Chilling” Scene
Alderman Matt Martin condemned the arrest, calling it one of the most disturbing incidents he has witnessed in his time in office.
“A member of our community was violently taken out of this day care with children onsite, with fellow educators onsite,” Martin said. “We had agents with guns who were walking around the facility with teachers inside, with children inside. We are demanding she be released immediately.”
Video shared by parents shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering the facility and removing the woman. In one clip, the woman can be heard speaking Spanish, telling authorities she “had papers.”
According to NBC News, multiple witnesses posted footage online showing parents crying as the arrest took place, with one holding a child while comforting others.
“All I heard was crying, and it was just like a very guttural human cry,” said parent Adam Gonzalez, who recorded part of the arrest. “It’s really heart wrenching to know that someone who has poured herself into my child is no longer here.”
DHS Says Arrest Followed Pursuit
While local officials criticized ICE for entering a school with weapons drawn, federal authorities say the event stemmed from a pursuit following a failed traffic stop.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, stated that federal agents had attempted to stop a vehicle driven by a man with the woman inside.
“Law enforcement pursued the vehicle before the assailant sped into a shopping plaza where he and the female passenger fled the vehicle,” McLaughlin wrote on social media. “They ran into a daycare and attempted to barricade themselves inside — recklessly endangering the children inside.”
McLaughlin said the woman was taken into custody “inside a vestibule” of the day care. Details about the male driver who allegedly fled with her have not yet been released.
Community and Parents React
The incident caused widespread outrage across the Chicago community. Parents and teachers described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with children crying as armed agents moved through the building.
“What happened today is not going to be forgotten at the end of this week,” Alderman Martin said. “You have an educator who was going inside to teach our children and you have federal agents with guns going inside to violently take her away.”
Parent Tara Goodarzi, an attorney whose 3-year-old attends the school, called the moment “a nightmare.”
“Schools are supposed to be places of safety and security,” Goodarzi said. “Not places where we have to explain to our children why their teacher is being taken away by agents with guns and masks.”
Day Care Closed and Investigation Underway
Rayito de Sol officials announced the school would remain closed for the rest of the day following the arrest. City leaders have since requested additional information from ICE and DHS about the nature of the warrant and why the arrest occurred inside an active child care facility.
Local officials, immigrant advocates, and parents are urging federal authorities to review procedures for enforcement actions in or near schools to avoid traumatizing children.
“We need to make sure this stops,” Goodarzi said. “Our classrooms should never become scenes of fear.”
What are your thoughts on this controversial arrest and how law enforcement should handle sensitive environments like schools? Share your views in the comments below.
