US Secret Service approached South Side school, not ICE agents, CPS officials say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The U.S. Secret Service told the I-Team they approached a South Side school Friday. Chicago Public Schools officials had initially said the agents were from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Secret Service said they were investigating a threat, and responded to a house. They said they were then told the person they wanted to talk to was at Hamline Elementary School, but they did not enter the school, the Secret Service told the I-Team.

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The alleged threat the Secret Service was investigating was not immediately clear.

CPS officials initially claimed at least one ICE agent was denied entry to the South Side elementary school Friday morning. ICE said it was not a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement encounter.

CPS officials shared an update in a statement Friday evening, saying the agents showed ID that included the name Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and the Secret Service:

"Earlier today, Chicago Public School leaders shared that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents showed up this morning (Friday) at Hamline Elementary School. After our District officials shared public statements, we learned that the agents who visited the school were from the U.S. Secret Service. Our original communication was a result of a misunderstanding, reflective of the fear and concerns in the community amid the new administration's focus on undocumented immigrants. Here's what happened: Two individuals showed up at the school door and presented identification that includes the name Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency that oversees ICE. School officials proceeded to respond to the agents with the understanding that they were from ICE, amid rumors and reports that the agency was in the community. Regardless of which branch of Homeland Security visited this school, officials followed the established protocols to ensure student safety. The agents were not allowed into the school or permitted to speak with staff or students. Hamline administrators also worked with CPS' Law Department and CPS' Office of Safety and Security. The situation was handled with the federal agents leaving the campus without entry. While this was a misunderstanding in terms of the specific branch of DHS, the school's response demonstrates that our system, in partnership with community organizations, is prepared and ready to keep our students and staff safe."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared a statement about the situation on social media, saying it is "imperative that individuals not spread unverified information that sparks fear across the city."

The situation happened amid fears of a nationwide mass deportation effort. According to the 2025 Illinois Report Card, Hamline Elementary's student population is 92% Latino.

"It's good that the school followed the protocol and exercised caution," said Brandon Lee with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. "Because of the heightened fears in communities, and two, because various law enforcement, various federal agencies, can carry out immigration enforcement, at this moment."

The Hamline Elementary School principal initially claimed at least one ICE agent arrived at the Back of the Yards school about 11:15 a.m. The principal said they followed protocols, and did not allow the agent or agents inside.

"We will not open our doors for ICE, and we are here to protect our children and make sure they have access to an excellent education," principal Natasha Ortega said.

The school did go on a soft lockdown. All students and staff were safe, officials said.

"CPS will continue to protect our students and their families in alignment with the Illinois TRUST Act and Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance," one school official said.

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Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates called the situation "unprecedented" at a news conference Friday afternoon.

CPS and CTU officials emphasized that schools are safe. CPS does not ask for citizenship status, and will not allow ICE agents inside without a valid judicial warrant.

Chicago police said they were not notified of the alleged incident.

Friday afternoon, many people were on edge. Despite the apparent confusion, parents picking up their kids at dismissal had overwhelming concerns.

"It's horrible, bizarre," neighborhood resident Ava Chavez said. "I wouldn't imagine just having me as I was a child."

The incident comes amid heightened concerns in the city's immigrant communities after the Trump administration announced that it will pursue targets for deportation at schools and churches.

Gloria Marquez has two children at the school, and said she was texted about the incident by another parent, who was working as a classroom aide at the school.

"Did not give me any details, all she said was 'I was trying to come in to do my job, and it wouldn't open.' So, I guess what happened, she said, 'the kids are in soft lockdown; immigration is outside,'" Marquez said.

CPS rapid response teams, along with several community groups, descended on the neighborhood.

"We are united, and schools are a sanctuary of learning," said attorney Berto Aguayo, with Increase the Peace Chicago.