Little Village council demands action against federal agents using CPS parking lots for staging

CHICAGO — The Little Village Community Council is calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson and the alderman to put up signs at schools saying federal agents cannot utilize the property.

The council held a press conference Wednesday outside Lázaro Cardenas Elementary School, located at 2345 South Millard Avenue, where federal agents were reportedly using the school’s parking lot on Tuesday.

About two weeks ago, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) put up signs saying the parking lot is only for the use of authorized vehicles. But nothing has been put up in relation to the executive order issued by the mayor earlier this month, prohibiting ICE and others from using any city property or facilities. 

There are similar allegations that immigration officials in recent days have staged themselves at Benito Juárez High School, located at 1450-1510 W Cermak Road. Vicki Martinez said her daughter spotted federal agents as she was finishing class.

“She called me yesterday and said ICE is here. I said, “I’ll come find you. Stay somewhere safe,” Martinez said. “She saw everyone running and was able to get on the bus.”

Those hosting the presser said they have reached out to City Hall, asking for that specific signage blocking immigration authorities from being on city property.

They say the mayor’s office has told them they don’t have the manpower or the money to stick a sign on every lot across Chicago. But they say if the city won’t do it, they will.

“The mayor has been great on saying that he will put an executive order so ICE agents will not be using CPS properties or city properties, and again they are using it for the second time to terrorize Little Village. To terrorize residents. We are calling on the mayor to stop just talking. Stop saying that you’re doing something for our community. We want action,” said Baltazar Enriquez, Little Village Community Council President.

A planned walkout, set for Wednesday morning, never materialized, but about 100 students at Farragut High School did protest immigration officials recently spotted near their school. The same scene played out in Little Village on Tuesday at Little Village Lawndale High School, where about 300 students participated.

CPS released the following statement regarding the walk-outs:

“Chicago Public Schools (CPS) actively works to create a safe environment for students to express their feelings and concerns.  Approximately 300 students at Little Village Lawndale High School participated in the walk out today. District and school leaders encourage students to participate in civic life and take an active role in their school community, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for them to express their feelings and concerns. Schools work with the CPS Office of Safety and Security to develop safety plans and guidelines to ensure all of our students are safe. Students are expected to follow the Student Code of Conduct (SCC) and all rules and policies set by the Chicago Board of Education and CPS.”