CHICAGO — Tensions continued to rise Thursday as multiple Chicago schools went on lockdown following reports of armed ICE agents operating in nearby neighborhoods, according to city officials and local leaders.
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Mike Nellis, a Chicago City Council member, said several schools — including one attended by his own son — were temporarily locked down “because of ICE.” Nellis described the situation as “horrible,” adding that he spent hours outside “trying to make sure nothing happens to these kids.”
The lockdowns came amid escalating conflict between the Trump administration and Illinois officials over the deployment of federal agents. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) condemned what he called “ridiculous political theater,” urging federal leaders to focus on real public safety concerns rather than media optics.
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Durbin’s criticism followed a post from FBI Director Kash Patel, who said the Bureau was “heading to the Windy City” to “crush violent crime.” The senator pushed back, saying such displays “won’t prevent violent crime.”
Reports of ICE activity extended outside the city, with witnesses describing swarms of agents blocking off streets and conducting door-to-door visits in several Chicago suburbs, including areas of Orland Park and Tinley Park. Videos circulating on social media appear to show heavily armed officers approaching residential areas as residents recorded from windows and porches.
The broader unrest has drawn attention from across the Midwest, as ICE and National Guard operations intensify in the region. Meanwhile, advocacy groups continue to warn that federal crackdowns and raids are heightening fear among residents — including U.S. citizens, children, and families.
Local officials have requested clarification from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the purpose and legal scope of current federal operations in Chicago-area communities.
