Secret Service contacted Hamline Elementary School in Back of the Yards, not Immigration and Customs Enforcement: CPD officials

CHICAGO (WLS) — The U.S. Secret Service told the I-Team it approached a South Side school Friday. Chicago Public Schools officials initially said the agents were from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Secret Service said it was investigating a threat and responded to a home. They said they were then told the person they wanted to speak to was at Hamline Elementary School, but they did not enter the school, the Secret Service told I- Team.

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It was not immediately clear what alleged threat the Secret Service was investigating.

CPS officials initially said at least one ICE agent was denied entry to the South Side elementary school Friday morning. ICE said this was not an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

CPS officials shared an update in a statement Friday evening, saying the agents showed identification that included the name of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and the Secret Service:

“Earlier today, Chicago Public Schools leaders said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School this morning (Friday). After officials from our district shared public statements, we learned that the agents who visited the school were from Hamline Elementary School Our initial communication was the result of a misunderstanding, reflecting fear and the. concerns of the community while the new administration focused on undocumented immigrants Here’s what happened: two individuals showed up at the school door and presented an ID with identification documents Named Department of. Homeland Security, the federal agency that oversees ICE, school officials responded to agents knowing they were ICE, amid rumors and reports that the agency was in the community , whatever the branch of internal security visited. At this school, officials followed established protocols to ensure the safety of students. Officers were not allowed to enter the school or speak with staff or students. Hamline administrators also worked with the CPS Legal Department and the CPS Office of Safety and Security. The situation was resolved with the federal agents leaving the campus without entry. Although this is a misunderstanding in terms of the specific branch of DHS, the school’s response demonstrates that our system, in partnership with community organizations, is prepared and ready to ensure the safety of our students and our staff.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared a statement on the situation on social media, saying it is “imperative that individuals do not spread unverified information that instills fear in the city.”

This situation occurred amid fears of a nationwide mass eviction operation. According to the Illinois 2025 report card, Hamline Elementary’s student population is 92 percent Latino.

“It’s good that the school followed protocol and exercised caution,” said Brandon Lee of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. “Because of the increased fears in communities, and secondly, because various law enforcement agencies, various federal agencies, can currently provide immigration control.”

The principal of Hamline Elementary School initially claimed that at least one ICE agent arrived at Back of the Yards School around 11:15 a.m. The principal said he followed protocols and did not had not authorized the officer(s) to enter.

“We will not open our doors to ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education,” said Director Natasha Ortega.

The school was placed on moderate lockdown. All students and staff were safe, officials said.

“CPS will continue to protect our students and their families in accordance with the Illinois TRUST Act and the City of Chicago’s shelter ordinance,” a school official said.

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Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates called the situation “unprecedented” during a news conference Friday afternoon.

CPS and CTU officials have stressed that schools are safe. CPS does not ask for citizenship status and will not allow ICE agents entry without a valid court warrant.

Chicago police said they had not been notified of the alleged incident.

Friday afternoon, many people were nervous. Despite the apparent confusion, parents who were picking up their children at the time of dismissal were very concerned.

“It’s horrible, weird,” said Ava Chavez, a resident of the neighborhood. “I wouldn’t imagine having me as a kid.”

The incident comes amid heightened concerns among the city’s immigrant communities after the Trump administration announced it would pursue expulsion targets at schools and churches.

Gloria Marquez has two children at the school and said she received a text about the incident from another parent, who worked as a teacher’s aide at the school.

“She didn’t give me any details, all she said was ‘I was trying to get in to do my job, and it wouldn’t open.’ So I guess what happened, she said, “the kids are in moderate confinement; immigration happens outside,’” Marquez said.

CPS rapid response teams, along with several community groups, descended on the neighborhood.

“We are united and schools are a sanctuary of learning,” said attorney Berto Aguayo of Increase the Peace Chicago.