An elementary school teacher in West Chicago has sparked controversy with a social media post, leaving some parents in the suburban area outraged.
The uproar began when the teacher commented on an article about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The brief message, showing public support for ICE, prompted a protest from concerned parents and community members on Monday.
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Employed at Gary Elementary School, the teacher’s comment, “Go ICE,” appeared on a social media discussion related to immigration enforcement, which quickly attracted attention.
The remark led to a strong reaction, with over 100 parents and community members gathering at the West Chicago City Council chambers on Monday morning. They voiced their disapproval and anger, questioning why the teacher remains employed at the school.
“Where is the due process for all the kids being taken off the streets?” questioned activist Victor M., reflecting the community’s concerns.
Emma Villa, a grandparent, expressed her expectations, saying, “At home, we teach our children to respect their teachers, and we expect the teachers to show the same respect.”
Many at Monday’s gathering have previously protested against ICE activities in West Chicago. They say ICE has targeted West Chicago’s large Latino population in the last several months, causing the separation of many families.
“We have kids in our school districts, in this school specifically, who have lost a mom or dad or family member within the last three months. They’re going home wondering if they will ever see mom or dad again,” said West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey.
The mayor says he invited the demonstrators to express themselves at the meeting rather than at the school. As part of the protest, many parents kept their kids home from school on Monday, with some bringing them to the meeting instead.
“You have many students across District 33 who did not go to school today because of fear incited by a teacher,” said Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa.
ABC7 reached out to both the school and the teacher involved, but neither immediately responded. Many of the protesters say they recognize the teacher’s First Amendment rights to free speech, but they have rights as well.
“Everyone has the right to say what’s on their minds, but there’s also consequences to that,” said grandparent Elizabeth Albert.
The community members protesting say their next step is to attend the next school board meeting early next month and urge the board to take action against the teacher.
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