A teacher at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago has been placed on administrative leave following a Facebook post expressing support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a comment that ignited intense backlash from activists, parents, and local officials in the predominantly Hispanic community.
The controversy began last week when the teacher posted a brief message on Facebook reading, “GO ICE.” Although the original post and the teacher’s account are no longer publicly accessible, screenshots circulated rapidly on social media, prompting outrage and calls for disciplinary action. Fox News Digital has chosen not to identify the teacher due to safety concerns.
Community reaction was swift and emotional. Activists criticized the post as insensitive and harmful, particularly given ICE’s role in immigration enforcement and the fears it can evoke among immigrant families. One widely shared comment described the post as “sick AF,” while others used far harsher language. An online flyer and a Change.org petition soon followed, demanding the teacher’s dismissal and urging parents to keep students home from school in protest.
“The casual way in which he publicly promoted the actions of ICE in our area is inappropriate and unsuitable for an educator,” the petition stated, arguing that retaining the teacher would disrupt students’ emotional well-being and negatively affect their education.
The issue quickly drew the attention of local leaders. Illinois State Senator Karina Villa voiced support for upset families, calling the reported comments “disturbing.” While acknowledging that freedom of speech is a protected right, Villa emphasized that educators carry a responsibility to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families.
West Chicago Elementary School District 33 initially found itself navigating a complex situation. According to an email sent to parents by Superintendent Kristina Davis, the teacher submitted a written resignation on Friday, then withdrew it before the school board could approve it. As a result, the teacher reported to work on Monday, the same day the district began consulting legal counsel and launching a formal investigation.
Public concern continued to grow. At the request of Mayor Daniel Bovey, the city held a “listening session” that included Spanish translation services. Parents and residents spoke candidly, with some saying their children no longer felt safe at school and others describing the post as cruel and divisive.
Later that Monday, the district confirmed that the teacher had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and barred from all district property during that time. In a statement, district officials acknowledged the disruption the situation has caused and reiterated their commitment to maintaining safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments.
Despite repeated inquiries, district representatives have not specified which policies, if any, were violated by the teacher’s Facebook post supporting law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the case highlights the ongoing tension between free speech rights and the heightened expectations placed on educators, particularly in diverse communities where political statements can deeply affect students and families alike.