Just before noon on a sunny Friday earlier this month, federal immigration agents threw tear gas canisters onto a busy Chicago street, just outside of Funston Elementary School and neighboring children’s play cafe.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers rushed to shield children from the chaos, exploring how to explain the frightening event to their little ones—balancing the need for safety awareness against preserving their innocence.
Weeks after the incident, local families reported lingering fear that similar operations could happen again, showcasing how pervasive anxiety permeates life under the continued immigration crackdown seemingly targeting neighborhoods.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the actions, claiming "Border Patrol agents were impeded by protesters" during a targeted enforcement operation that resulted in one arrest. Dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, this local crackdown commenced in early September—armed agents patrolling neighborhoods in unmarked vehicles sparked protests from residents who felt their community was being besieged.
It was reported that DHS agents alleged they faced increasing violence against them, stating, “Our brave officers are facing a surge in assaults against them, inducing sniper attacks, cars being used as weapons on them, and assaults by rioters.”
As tension escalated, the agents deployed tear gas and pepper balls, asserting they had made repeated vocal attempts to disperse a reportedly rowdy crowd, which controversy remains regarding whether adequate warnings were given.
Teacher Liza Oliva-Perez, caught in the unfolding chaos, described the horror of witnessing the attack, saying she heard no warnings as tear gas canisters flew into her vicinity. The situation necessitated immediate action as she and others rushed to get children back inside the school.
Businesses in the area, such as the Luna y Cielo Play Cafe, managed by local Spanish-speaking families, saw panic ripple through their space. One mother recounted how her two-year-old son stuttered in fear. Motherhood turned into a struggle against the backdrop of looming ICE threats, showcasing how chaotic and relentless such urban raids can feel to families.
Post-incident, teachers and community members mapped out strategies to protect the children, organizing volunteers to monitor the schools during drop-off and pick-up times to guard against potential raids.
In the wake of this traumatic episode, teachers are left to navigate conversations with their students, while also attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy and security in their school environment. As one teacher vocalized, “You don’t mess with the kids. You don’t go near the schools.”
