ABC7 talked to several students all concerned about what took place Thursday morning - concerned, but also cautious. The majority of the students say they are also afraid of speaking out, worried about what they say could be retaliation for voicing their opinion.
The incident happened in the morning in a parking lot outside of a main campus building, school officials said. The arrest appeared to be an isolated event.
Neither school nor immigration enforcement officials have identified the student or the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
"ECC does not engage in immigration enforcement and does not voluntarily share information about students' immigration status," a school spokesperson said. "Our focus remains on supporting our students and maintaining a safe, welcoming learning environment. ECC offers confidential support and resources through our student support offices. Additionally, we are in communication with local legislators and community leaders regarding this incident."
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Elgin Community College students were on edge Thursday night.
"I feel like we're living in a dystopian nightmare," one student said.
One student, who did not want to share their identity, is concerned about this type of activity making its way on to college campuses.
"I think it's terrible because you think on campus you'd be safe as a student," the student said. "Trump said he was going after criminals only, but now it looks like anyone who appears to be Brown in any locations is at risk of being taken."
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Dan Kernler, President of the Elgin Community College Faculty Association, said in a statement, "Our campus community is in shock today. College students and their families should never be separated just because they came to class. Detaining students on campus creates lasting harm and has no place in our communities. Learning and growth can only happen without fear."
ABC7 reached out to ICE officials multiple times to get details on the arrest, but they have yet to respond to the requests.
No other information regarding the student arrested was released.
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