A day care worker at Rayito de Sol in Roscoe Village was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in front of children on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. at the facility located on West Addison Street. According to witnesses, the arrest created a chaotic scene as children and parents watched.
Details of the Arrest
Witnesses reported that armed ICE agents entered the day care without a warrant. The federal agency claimed the arrest was part of a targeted operation related to a traffic incident. The worker, originally from Colombia, is alleged to have been in the country illegally and is facing claims of smuggling her two teenage children into the U.S.
Community Reaction
Parents expressed anger and concern over the incident, feeling that children should be safe in their day care environment. They described a scene where teachers and students were visibly upset. Parent Maria Guzman emphasized that the agents entered a private business without legal permission.
- Agent presence: Armed officers confronted individuals during school hours.
- Community response: Outcry from parents and local officials advocating for the worker’s release.
- Legal status: The worker reportedly has a valid work permit and a pending asylum application.
Government Statements
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the incident did not specifically target the day care. They noted that the male driver of the vehicle in question fled into the premises with the day care worker, and agents pursued them. However, local officials and parents provided a different narrative, claiming the agents behaved aggressively and disrupted the day care environment.
Calls for Action
U.S. lawmakers, including Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and Congressman Mike Quigley, criticized ICE’s actions. They condemned the agency’s tactics, arguing that the arrest traumatized children and disrupted daily operations at the day care. Community members later held a rally to demonstrate their support for the detained worker.
| Incident | Date | Location | Workers Involved |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICE Arrest | Wednesday Morning | Rayito de Sol, Roscoe Village | 1 Day Care Worker |
As of now, the day care remains closed, and the location of the arrested worker is unclear. With community unrest growing, local officials are demanding ICE reconsider its tactics in residential areas where children are present.
