Chicago, IL — A day care teacher’s arrest by federal immigration agents inside a child care center in northwest Chicago has drawn widespread condemnation from local officials and community members who witnessed the shocking event.
Two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center on Wednesday, escorting the teacher through the doors with her arms restrained behind her back. Witnesses say the arrest occurred during morning drop-off, as children and parents looked on.
Lawmakers Condemn ICE Actions
“This morning ICE agents followed a teacher into the facility without a warrant and abducted her in front of her students,” said Rep. Mike Quigley, who called the incident a “complete lack of humanity” during a press conference.
Parents described the scene as chaotic and traumatizing for the young children.
“These are the nicest, kindest people. They don’t deserve this — these children don’t deserve to be living through this,” said Esmeralda Rosales, a parent whose child attends the center.
According to CNN, the arrest comes amid “Operation Midway Blitz,” a nationwide immigration enforcement campaign launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in early September under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Local leaders said the ICE agents entered the daycare without a judicial warrant, sparking outrage and renewed calls for federal oversight.
Details of the Arrest
The teacher, identified by DHS as Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, is reportedly a Colombian national who entered the United States illegally in 2023. Officials say Galeano was arrested inside the vestibule of the daycare but not inside classrooms.
A DHS spokesperson disputed claims that agents stormed into the facility, arguing that Galeano and another individual fled from a traffic stop before entering the daycare.
“Officers attempted to conduct a targeted traffic stop of this female illegal alien from Colombia,” wrote Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, in a post on X.
“The male driver refused to pull over and fled into a shopping plaza, where both occupants ran into a daycare and attempted to barricade themselves inside — recklessly endangering the children.”
McLaughlin added that Galeano initially lied about her identity and claimed not to know the driver, even though the vehicle was registered in her name.
Community and Political Backlash
Parents and witnesses expressed horror at the scene. Chris Widen, whose 4-month-old son attends the daycare, said the arrest unfolded during peak morning drop-off hours.
“It happened during the busiest time, when kids and families had to watch a teacher being forcibly removed by agents in tactical gear,” Widen told reporters.
Maria Guzman, a daycare representative and parent, condemned the operation, calling it “an act of domestic terrorism.”
“This is horrific. They have crossed a line,” Guzman said.
Local lawmakers echoed those concerns. Rep. Delia Ramirez, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said the agents’ conduct endangered the lives of both staff and children.
“What happened today is despicable,” Ramirez said. “We need to make sure that people understand that these businesses have rights, and we’re going to do everything we can to help them uphold those rights.”
Ramirez added that she would work with colleagues in Congress to initiate a federal review of the incident.
DHS Response and Legal Context
In a statement, DHS reiterated that work authorization does not grant legal immigration status. The department confirmed that Galeano’s entry into the U.S. was unauthorized but maintained that agents acted lawfully.
Meanwhile, Chicago Public Officials have called for greater accountability and transparency in federal enforcement actions, especially when they occur in sensitive spaces like schools or childcare facilities.
Galeano remains in federal custody pending further proceedings.
What are your thoughts on this controversial arrest and the impact it could have on Chicago’s immigrant communities? Share your views in the comments below.
