A coalition of Democratic senators, spearheaded by Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, has formally requested the U.S. Department of Education to step in and restrict federal immigration enforcement activities near schools. This urgent appeal follows several incidents in Chicago that severely disrupted classrooms and caused distress.
In a letter obtained by NBC News, the senators implored Education Secretary Linda McMahon to urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cease all enforcement operations within a 1,000-foot radius of school grounds.
The letter sharply criticized the actions of federal agents in Chicago, stating, “Federal agents continue to use unwarranted, excessive levels of force around Chicago, demonstrating an alarming lack of care or regard for the health and wellbeing of children, particularly by conducting unfocused, inflammatory operations within close proximity of school grounds.” The senators insisted that Secretary McMahon press her counterpart, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, to re-establish existing restrictions on federal enforcement activities near educational institutions.
Advocating for Safe School Zones
The senators argued for “common-sense policing” near schools. Their letter highlighted a stark contrast: if society universally agrees to keep harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs away from educational environments, then chemical weapons such as tear gas—which causes burning, pain, skin inflammation, and respiratory distress—and other aggressive tactics employed by the Department of Homeland Security should also be prohibited. This argument was reported by NBC News.
The letter was co-signed by several other senators: Angela Alsobrooks (Maryland), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada), Jacky Rosen (Nevada), Kirsten Gillibrand (New York), Cory Booker (New Jersey), Andy Kim (New Jersey), and Ed Markey (Massachusetts).
Specific Incidents Prompting Action
NBC News had previously reported on immigration enforcement activities near schools, detailing an incident where tear gas drifted towards a playground, forcing children to seek refuge indoors. Teachers described how students felt palpable fear during their lessons.
The senators’ letter specifically demanded that federal agents in Chicago halt “Operation Midway Blitz” within 1,000 feet of both public and private schools.
When NBC News sought comment from the Department of Homeland Security regarding a policy to avoid school vicinities during enforcement, a spokesperson provided an indirect response. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated via email, “Why was the tear gas deployed? Because of violent rioters.” However, eyewitness accounts contradicted this, suggesting the crowd was not violent.
Key Incidents Highlighted
The letter detailed two specific events in Chicago. On October 3, federal agents deployed chemical agents just about 700 feet from Funston Elementary School during lunchtime. This forced the school to relocate all recess and outdoor activities indoors for the rest of the day.
Five days later, on October 8, federal agents allegedly “forcefully dragged two women out of a car in front of a school on the West Side of Chicago, violently detaining them without presenting a warrant, as children and parents watched on in horror,” as described in the letter. DHS spokesperson McLaughlin defended these actions, claiming the vehicle was driven recklessly and its occupants failed to comply with law enforcement orders.
Union and Community Voices
Earlier in the month, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten visited Chicago to engage with union members about strategies for dealing with immigration enforcement. During a roundtable discussion held at Funston Elementary, she underscored the union’s commitment to safeguarding both students and the broader community.
Notably, Chicago city policy already prohibits immigration officers from conducting enforcement activities within city schools or on city-owned properties. Weingarten echoed this sentiment to NBC News, asserting, “School should be an ICE-free zone, just like it’s a gun-free zone and a drug-free zone.”
Looking Ahead: Balancing Enforcement and Student Well-being
The collective concerns raised by the senators’ letter and the distressing events in Chicago underscore a growing apprehension about federal enforcement activities near schools. As discussions continue regarding the delicate balance between law enforcement imperatives and the fundamental need for student safety, both the Department of Education and the Department of Homeland Security face increasing public and political scrutiny over their respective roles.