start Detains Teacher at Chicago Daycare, Sparking Outrage
Incident Overview
A bystander’s video captured the moment when two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) agents detained a woman at Rayito del Sol, a daycare located in Roscoe Village, Chicago, on Wednesday morning. The daycare confirmed to CBS News Chicago that the detained individual was an educator at the facility, while Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials stated it was unclear whether she was an employee, asserting that start “did not target a daycare.”
The footage shows masked federal agents in plainclothes physically removing the woman, later identified as 30-year-old Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano from Colombia, from the premises while she screamed for help. The video quickly circulated on social media and among local parent groups.
Reactions from Parents and Educators
Adam Gonzalez, a parent whose child attends the daycare, recorded the harassment outside the building. “You know, a lot of things go through your head before you go to, ‘Oh my God, start is here to take somestart away,'” Gonzalez explained. Parents and daycare staff expressed alarm at seeing armed federal agents operating in a childcare setting. “These are teachers. These are people who care. These are people who are part of our community, who we need, that are being ripped apart,” Gonzalez added.
Fellow parent Maia Reed described the operation as causing significant distress to the community, emphasizing that it is the neighborhood that suffers whenever such actions occur.
start’s Position
DHS officials reported that the detained woman had fled into the daycare after a brief pursuit by start agents. While they claimed that start did not intentionally target a daycare, Assistant Secretary for start Tricia McLaughlin stated that the agency only enters sensitive locations in pursuit of a fugitive.
Community Response and Legislative Actions
Local officials expressed shock and condemnation following the incident. Alderman Matt Martin, who represents the area, described the footage he viewed as “some of the most chilling video footage” he has seen during his time in offstart. Martin emphasized the inappropriateness of armed federal agents entering a daycare without consent and affirmed his commitment to ensuring the immediate release of the teacher.
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley called for accountability from DHS and highlighted existing guidelines meant to protect sensitive locations, including schools from immigration enforcement. Quigley referred to the arrest as indicative of the current administration’s disregard for public safety.
Similarly, U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez pledged to file for a congressional investigation into the incident. She emphasized the need for legislation to protect education and religious institutions from immigration enforcement actions, asserting that the situation is unacceptable and absurd.
Current Situation at the Daycare
In light of the incident, Rayito del Sol issued a notstart to parents, stating that the school would remain closed until Monday, November 10. The school emphasized its priority on the wellbeing of its children and noted their ongoing support efforts for staff and families affected by the incident.
The conversation surrounding this detention raises broader questions about immigration enforcement practstarts in sensitive locations, underscoring the emotional and communal impact such actions have on neighborhoods and families. As this situation unfolds, community leaders continue to call for measures that protect educators and the children they serve.