The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that its agents visited a Chicago elementary school on Friday due to an ongoing investigation involving a threat against a government official. This incident occurred shortly after school officials mistakenly reported the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the institution.
In a statement released later in the day, the leadership of Chicago Public Schools clarified that their initial announcement about ICE was a result of confusion. They acknowledged that the agents were actually from the Secret Service, which led to increased anxiety within the immigrant communities in the area. “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,” the statement read.
The situation emerged amid heightened deportation efforts from the Trump administration, which recently implemented new regulations to streamline the removal of individuals as part of an aggressive strategy against illegal immigration.
According to the Chicago Public Schools’ statement, two individuals arrived at Hamline Elementary School, displaying identification that featured the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the parent organization of ICE. Due to ongoing rumors and reports regarding ICE’s activities in the community, school officials mistakenly presumed they were dealing with ICE agents, the district explained.
The agents, from the Secret Service’s Chicago Field Office, were investigating a specific threat made against a key government figure that they are tasked with protecting. They had previously visited a residence in the local neighborhood before arriving at the school. “Agents identified themselves to the school principal and provided business cards with their contact information,” noted Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi. He further stated that the agents exited the school without any incident.
Guglielmi emphasized that the Secret Service does not conduct investigations or enforce immigration laws. In the meantime, ICE officials reiterated that no immigration-related actions occurred at or near the school on Friday.
Officials from Chicago Public Schools assured that the agents were not permitted entry into the school premises and were unable to interact with either staff or students. “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,” the statement concluded.
