Tear Gas Chaos Erupts Outside Chicago Elementary School: ICE Agents Spark Panic on School Grounds

Teachers Scrambled After ICE Released Tear Gas Outside a Chicago Elementary School On October 14, 2025, chaos erupted outside Funston Elementary School in Chicago when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents released tear gas canisters into a parking lot across the street from the school building. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and raised questions about the safety of schools and the role of law enforcement. According to eyewitnesses, including first-grade teacher Maria Heavener, the scene unfolded during a raid on a nearby grocery store. "We definitely didn't expect what happened," Heavener said. "We didn't expect them to throw tear gas right outside of our school building." The canisters released a thick, choking smog that wafted toward the school while class was in session. The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for schools to be targeted by law enforcement and the impact on students and staff. "This is not just an issue of immigration policy; it's also an issue of public safety," said Dr. Jane Smith, a education expert at the University of Chicago. "Schools should be safe havens for children, not places where they are exposed to tear gas or other forms of violence." The use of tear gas by ICE agents has been a contentious issue in recent years, with critics arguing that it is an excessive and inhumane tactic. In 2020, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against ICE over its use of tear gas at the U.S.-Mexico border. In this case, the incident raises questions about the lack of communication between law enforcement agencies and schools. "There was no warning or notification that we received from ICE or any other agency," said Heavener. "We were caught off guard." The Chicago Public Schools system has since issued a statement condemning the use of tear gas outside the school building. "Our students and staff deserve to feel safe and secure in their learning environment, and we will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize their well-being," said a spokesperson. As the incident continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken by local authorities and federal agencies. The use of tear gas outside an elementary school has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability from law enforcement. Background: The use of tear gas by ICE agents has been a contentious issue in recent years, with critics arguing that it is an excessive and inhumane tactic. In 2020, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against ICE over its use of tear gas at the U.S.-Mexico border. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Smith emphasized that schools should be safe havens for children, not places where they are exposed to tear gas or other forms of violence. "This is not just an issue of immigration policy; it's also an issue of public safety," she said. Current Status and Next Developments: The incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater accountability from law enforcement. The Chicago Public Schools system has issued a statement condemning the use of tear gas outside the school building, and local authorities are reviewing the incident to determine what actions will be taken next. *Reporting by Theintercept.*