Chicago Schools Face Tough Choices as ICE Raids Create Fear

In Chicago, a heated discussion is happening about how to keep students safe during ICE raids. Some school board members are pushing for online learning options. This comes after a student was detained on his way to school. The student was later released, but the incident has left many feeling uneasy. At a recent school board meeting, members like Emma Lozano spoke up. They said parents are scared and want remote learning. Lozano called it an emergency and urged quick action. Another member, Karen Zaccor, agreed. She acknowledged the challenges but stressed the need to find a solution. However, the school district's CEO, Macquline King, said only the governor can authorize virtual learning in emergencies. This means the district can't just switch to online classes on its own. Meanwhile, students are feeling the impact. Destiny Singleton, a student representative, shared that kids are constantly tracking ICE locations to stay safe. She said this shouldn't be their responsibility. The Chicago Teachers Union also weighed in. They argued that when students stay home due to fear, it's not an attendance issue. It's a sign that the system isn't protecting them. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has denied targeting schools. They said ICE isn't raiding schools or arresting children. Chicago's mayor has also spoken out. He criticized the ICE raids, saying they make students afraid and disrupt learning. The school district has not yet responded to requests for comment. This situation highlights the tension between keeping students safe and maintaining normal school operations.