Immigration Enforcement at Chicago Daycare Sparks Outrage

Thu Nov 06 2025 00:34:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The detention of a daycare employee by ICE agents in Chicago during drop-off hours has alarmed parents and raised questions about aggressive immigration enforcement tactics under the current administration.

On Wednesday, an employee at Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center in Chicago faced detention by immigration officials while parents were dropping off their children. This incident is part of a wider trend of increased immigration arrests in the area, drawing criticism for the timing and lack of sensitivity towards the children and families involved. Witnesses described a distressing scene as agents in full tactical gear detained a beloved teacher, prompting outrage among parents and community members alike. The daycare center subsequently closed for the day, highlighting the impact of such enforcement actions on local communities.

CHICAGO (AI News) — A daycare employee at Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center was detained on Wednesday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a busy drop-off period, raising concerns about escalating immigration enforcement tactics. Witness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with the employee attempting to escape into the center as officers arrived.

Witnesses reported that the employee was held between two glass doors while declaring her status as a U.S. citizen. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., coinciding with the arrival of children to the facility. This event aligns with recent reports of aggressive enforcement strategies under the 'Operation Midway Blitz,' which has already resulted in more than 3,000 immigration arrests in Chicago since September.

Various parents and community members expressed distress and anger outside the daycare. Esmeralda Rosales, who rushed to the site to support her child’s teacher, described staff as “the nicest, kindest people” who don’t deserve to face such actions. Chris Widen, another parent, criticized the timing of the operation, stating that it exposed children to a distressing situation where their beloved teacher was forcibly removed.

Adam Gonzalez documented the incident, noting the alarming presence of heavily armed federal agents during a moment meant to be routine for families. The world needs to see what’s happening; this is not fake, it’s real, he stated.

Gregory Bovino, a senior Border Patrol official, defended the administration's aggressive tactics, labeling agents as sanctuary busters while underlining the persistent challenges they face amidst protests regarding their actions. Despite the criticism, he has remained steadfast in defending such operations and their perceived necessity in addressing illegal immigration.

The incident brings to light not only the individual circumstances faced by the employee but also the broader implications of stringent immigration policies impacting community dynamics and the emotional wellbeing of children and families.

The daycare, which operates multiple locations in Illinois and Minnesota, closed its Chicago center for the day following the incident, reflecting the swift repercussions of such actions on local services.