Lewis University learns ICE could open offices in same Oak Brook building, moves classes online

OAK BROOK, Ill. (WLS) -- Classes at a suburban-based university are moving online after the school says it learned of an "ICE presence" in the same building where it leases space.

Lewis University says all classes and activities at its Oak Brook location will either be virtual or canceled this week, through Saturday. University leaders called the move a precautionary step.

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University leaders told ABC7 that they were alerted over the weekend to the possibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement using office space at the same building where they hold business and nursing classes. Provost Dr. Christopher Sindt says the landlord confirmed their suspicions on Saturday.

"They were able to confirm that there is an ICE presence in the building," Sindt said.

Sindt says they first learned of the company of federal law enforcement in the same building where they hold classes on Saturday, via social media, and quickly began putting the pieces together themselves.

"Most notably, this weekend, there were many SUV vehicles parked on the campus or in the parking structure for the campus. So, I think that was what brought most of our attention to the topic," Sindt said.

The university has roughly 7,000 students, most of which attend classes at the school's main campus in Romeoville. However, about 500 students attend classes weekly at their Oak Brook location. Sindt says the possibility of protests and the community's concerns over ICE led them to their decision.

"We felt like it was a really volatile, potentially volatile environment this week for our students to attend class," Sindt said.

Village President Larry Herman says the village first became aware of the Department of Homeland Security renting office space in Oak Brook after police were called for a report of vandalism, apparently targeting DHS, on Friday night.

However, Herman says as long as DHS continues to use the space for administrative purposes, they are compliant with the village's zoning.

"It is not zoned for a detention facility. It's our understanding they are not operating a detention facility there. If they were to attempt to do so, it would be prohibited by our zoning," Herman said.

A facility in Broadview that ICE and Customs and Border Patrol have used for processing and detention purposes is about 6 miles away from the possible Oak Brook office location.

When the ABC7 I-Team reached out to DHS about the Oak Brook space, a spokesperson for DHS told the I-Team, "Is it really news that when a federal agency hires more personnel, that they need more space?"

And as for Lewis University, the preference is to use their space as they had planned for this semester, but no decisions about the future of their lease have been made.

Full DHS statement:
"Is it really news that when a federal agency hires more personnel that they need more space? Thanks to the Big Beautiful Bill, ICE will be adding 10,000 new law enforcement professionals to our ranks, thus the need for more infrastructure to continue to Make America Safe Again."

"DHS would never confirm potential field office locations until they are opened. Our law enforcement officers are facing a doxxing and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them."