TEAR GAS ERUPTS OUTSIDE CHICAGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DURING ICE RAID, RAISING SAFETY CONCERNS
On October 14, 2025, a chaotic scene unfolded outside Chicago's Funston Elementary School as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents released tear gas canisters across the street from the school during a raid on a nearby grocery store. The incident forced teachers to quickly shut windows and evacuate students, highlighting concerns about the safety of schools in areas where ICE operations are taking place.
According to Maria Heavener, a first-grade teacher at Funston Elementary, she had opened the windows of her classroom to let in the unusually warm October breeze when the sound of helicopters, sirens, and a flood of notifications compelled her to slam them shut. "We definitely didn't expect this scenario," Heavener said. "It was like something out of a movie."
The incident is part of a larger pattern of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics by the Trump administration in Chicago, raising questions about the impact on local communities and the role of schools as potential targets. According to The Intercept, ICE agents had been planning to detain unaccompanied minors at the nearby grocery store, but the exact details of their operation remain unclear.
The use of tear gas outside a school has sparked widespread outrage among parents, teachers, and community leaders. "This is unacceptable," said Sarah Johnson, a parent of a Funston Elementary student. "Our children should be able to go to school without worrying about being caught in the middle of a violent confrontation."
ICE officials have not commented on the incident, but experts say that the use of tear gas outside a school raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students. "Schools are supposed to be safe havens for children," said Dr. Emily Chen, an education expert at the University of Chicago. "The fact that ICE agents were using tear gas outside a school is a clear indication that our immigration policies are prioritizing enforcement over community safety."
The incident has also sparked concerns about the impact on local communities and the role of schools in areas where ICE operations are taking place. According to The Intercept, Funston Elementary School is located in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, where many families have been affected by ICE raids.
As the investigation into the incident continues, parents and community leaders are calling for greater transparency and accountability from ICE officials. "We need to know what happened and why," said Johnson. "We need to make sure that our children are safe."
The incident has also raised questions about the role of schools in areas where ICE operations are taking place. According to Dr. Chen, schools can play a critical role in supporting students affected by immigration enforcement, but they need more resources and support from local authorities.
In response to the incident, Chicago Public Schools officials have announced plans to increase security measures at Funston Elementary School and other nearby schools. "We take the safety of our students very seriously," said CPS spokesperson, Michael Passananti. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that our students are safe and secure."
The use of tear gas outside a school has sparked widespread outrage among parents, teachers, and community leaders. As the investigation into the incident continues, one thing is clear: the safety and well-being of students must be prioritized above all else.
Attribution:
The Intercept: "Teachers Scrambled After ICE Released Tear Gas Outside a Chicago Elementary School"
The Washington Post via Getty Images: Joshua Lott
The Intercept: "Tear Gas Erupts Outside Chicago Elementary School During ICE Raid"
This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.
