The post was a comment in response to an article about Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Parents and others who are upset with the teacher's public support for the agency gathered in protest on Monday.
The teacher works at Gary Elementary School here in West Chicago. His apparent post was just two words long on a social media page talking about immigration activities. It said, "Go ICE."
The comment drew an angry response from a crowd of more than 100 parents and community members. They filled West Chicago City Council chambers on Monday morning to express their frustration and outrage that, according to officials, the school still employs the teacher.
"Where is the due process for all the kids being kidnapped on the streets?" said activist Victor M.
"At home, we teach our children to be respectful to the teachers, and we expect the same for the teachers to be respectful," said grandparent Emma Villa.
Many at Monday's gathering have previously protested against ICE activities in West Chicago. They say ICE has targeted West Chicago's large Latino population in the last several months, causing the separation of many families.
"We have kids in our school districts, in this school specifically, who have lost a mom or dad or family member within the last three months. They're going home wondering if they will ever see mom or dad again," said West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey.
The mayor says he invited the demonstrators to express themselves at the meeting rather than at the school. As part of the protest, many parents kept their kids home from school on Monday, with some bringing them to the meeting instead.
"You have many students across District 33 who did not go to school today because of fear incited by a teacher," said Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa.
Many of the protesters say they recognize the teacher's First Amendment rights to free speech, but they have rights as well.
"Everyone has the right to say what's on their minds, but there's also consequences to that," said grandparent Elizabeth Albert.
The community members protesting say their next step is to attend the next school board meeting early next month and urge the board to take action against the teacher.
Superintendent Kristina Davis said in a statement, "On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the District learned of concerns regarding a disruptive social media comment made by a District employee on his personal account. The teacher initially submitted his resignation. Later that day, he withdrew his resignation before the Board had an opportunity to take action.
"Following a meeting with District administration today, the employee involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and will not be permitted on any District property while on leave.
"We understand that this situation has raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families, and staff. We want to ensure our schools are safe spaces, and we look forward to seeing all students back in school tomorrow. Thank you for your patience, trust, and partnership during the ongoing investigation."