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 Chicago’s 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.
WALLACE, Idaho — Authorities are responding to reports of an active shooter at the Shoshone County Courthouse in Wallace, prompting a significant law enforcement response and heightened concern across the community.
According to local media and preliminary statements from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies were dispatched after receiving reports of gunfire at or near the sheriff’s office building.
Multiple sources have indicated that shots were reportedly fired inside the lobby of the facility, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances.
As the situation unfolded, unconfirmed reports circulated suggesting the possibility of a hostage situation.
Authorities have not publicly verified those claims, and officials continue to urge the public to rely on confirmed information as it becomes available.
A large police presence has been observed in the area surrounding the sheriff’s office, with officers actively securing the scene and assessing potential threats.
Nearby businesses have taken precautionary measures.
The owner of the Ace Hardware store located across the street from the sheriff’s office confirmed that gunfire struck their building.
Employees at the store were placed on lockdown in the basement as a safety measure.
Officials have not released information regarding potential injuries, suspects, or arrests at this time.
Members of the media report they are working to confirm additional details as law enforcement operations continue.
Residents are advised to avoid the area, follow instructions from authorities, and remain alert for official updates as the situation develops.