A significant federal agent presence disrupted activities in Chicago’s North and Northwest Sides on Friday, prompting schools to initiate soft lockdowns. Agents deployed tear gas canisters in the Lakeview neighborhood while detaining individuals linked to construction work.
Federal Agents Cause School Lockdowns in Chicago
On Friday, federal agents conducted operations in several areas, including Lakeview, West Town, and Wicker Park. Alderman Bennett Lawson, representing the 44th Ward, reported that one arrested worker was involved in construction on Lockwood Avenue. In response, community members gathered to protest, surrounding the agents’ vehicle.
The situation escalated when the agents released tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to heightened tensions in the area. Local resident Andrew Diehl described the chaotic scene, noting the presence of a nearby school and the risks posed to children and families in the vicinity.
Multiple Incidents of Detention
This incident was not isolated. Another similar situation occurred at Broadway and Belmont, where federal agents engaged in a physical altercation with two individuals. Chicago police intervened but reported no arrests at the scene, allowing federal agents to proceed with their operations.
Witnesses also reported an incident in West Town, where a man waiting outside a medical clinic was detained. Video footage showed federal agents blocking the man’s vehicle and forcibly removing him after he refused to comply with their demands.
Community Response
Community leaders and advocates have condemned these federal actions. Alderman Gilbert Villegas stated that such tactics instill fear within local neighborhoods. Cristina De La Rosa, director of a nonprofit assisting immigrant families, expressed concern over the impact on community stability.
Videos circulated showing students witnessing these federal operations, with reports of crying children in a preschool located near the incidents. These events led to a precautionary soft lockdown at A.N. Pritzker Elementary School on Schiller Avenue, as well as other nearby educational institutions.
Safety Measures Taken by Schools
- A.N. Pritzker Elementary School initiated a soft lockdown for safety.
- All entrances were secured and remained locked during the lockdown.
- Parents were advised to ensure trusted adults picked up their children if they could not do so.
- Other schools, including Mitchell Elementary and Rauner College Prep, also implemented safety measures.
This week, Chicago Public Schools established a command center aimed at improving response times to incidents involving federal immigration agents near their campuses. Ongoing concerns include a federal court order restricting the use of force by federal agents in Chicago, including the prohibition of tear gas.
In a defensive statement, Gregory Bovino, a senior border agent, emphasized the need to ensure the safety of his officers during their operations, amid rising tensions and community unrest.
