Crime
ICE Agents denied entry at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were observed at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood on Friday afternoon. Their presence occurred just hours after a Trump administration official confirmed that Illinois was among several states where hundreds of immigration-related arrests had recently been made.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova addressed the situation during a press conference, reassuring the community that ICE agents were not permitted to enter the school or interact with students and staff.
“Earlier today, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents showed up at Hamline Elementary School,” Chkoumbova stated. “School staff promptly followed CPS-established protocols by keeping the ICE agents outside and immediately contacting the CPS Law Department and the Office of Safety and Security for guidance.
The agents were not allowed entry into the building nor permitted to speak with any students or staff. The bottom line is that our students and staff remain safe, and our protocols were followed correctly.”
In response to the incident, members of the nonprofit organization Increase the Peace’s Rapid Response Team also arrived at the scene to provide support to concerned families and community members.
Hamline Elementary School Principal Natasha Ortega emphasized the school’s commitment to safeguarding its students and maintaining a secure learning environment.
“I am incredibly grateful to our Hamline staff for their swift actions in upholding our safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of our students,” Ortega said. “We will not open our doors to ICE unnecessarily.
Our priority is to protect our children and ensure they continue to receive an excellent education. We stand in solidarity with our families and the Back of the Yards community.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns within Chicagoโs immigrant communities, though officials have not confirmed any enforcement actions or raids taking place at the school or in the surrounding area.
CPS has reiterated its commitment to supporting immigrant families, reminding them of their rights and offering resources to address any concerns related to immigration enforcement activities.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii โ A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honoluluโs Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second womanโs injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusmanโs family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.