Tear Gas Erupts Outside Chicago Elementary School During ICE Raid, Raising Concerns About Safety of Schools in Areas of Aggressive Immigration Enforcement
On October 14, 2025, a chaotic scene unfolded outside Chicagos Funston Elementary School when 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 it is unclear whether any students were affected.
The raid outside Funston Elementary School was one of several incidents that have taken place in Chicago over the past few months, with ICE agents using aggressive tactics to apprehend individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants. On October 14, 2025, ICE agents released tear gas canisters into a parking lot across the street from the school, spreading a thick, choking smog toward the building while class was in session.
The incident has sparked concerns among parents and educators about the safety of schools in areas where ICE operations are taking place. "This is not just an issue for undocumented immigrants," said Sarah Johnson, a parent of two students at Funston Elementary. "It's an issue for all of us who care about the well-being of our children."
The incident has also raised questions about the role of schools as potential targets in ICE operations. According to experts, schools are often seen as safe havens for undocumented immigrants and their families, and ICE agents may view them as a means to apprehend individuals suspected of being undocumented.
As the situation continues to unfold, parents and educators are calling on local authorities to take action to protect students and staff from the impact of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. "We need to ensure that our schools are safe places for all students, regardless of their immigration status," said Johnson.
The incident outside Funston Elementary School is a stark reminder of the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement in Chicago. As the city continues to grapple with the impact of aggressive immigration policies, one thing is clear: the safety and well-being of students and staff must be at the forefront of any discussion about immigration enforcement.
In response to the incident, ICE officials have stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in their operations. However, critics argue that the use of tear gas outside a school raises serious concerns about the agency's tactics and priorities.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the impact of aggressive immigration enforcement policies on local communities will be felt for years to come.
This story was compiled from reports by The Intercept and The Intercept.
