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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.