Illinois Action for Children’s Statement on Immigration Enforcement Action at a Chicago Child Care Center

Illinois Action for Children (IAFC) is deeply alarmed and saddened by reports that federal immigration agents entered Rayito de Sol, a licensed early childhood center on Chicago’s North Side, and arrested an educator in front of children, families, and staff. Witnesses describe a chaotic and traumatic scene in which armed agents pursued the teacher inside the center, frightening children and disrupting what should always be a place of learning, safety, and care.

Child care centers, preschools, and schools are meant to be safe havens for young children—not places of fear, confusion, or violence. No child should ever have to witness their teacher being detained by armed officers. This kind of enforcement activity within an early learning environment undermines trust, traumatizes families, and violates the basic principles of child well-being and community safety.

We stand in solidarity with the children, families, and educators of Rayito de Sol, and with immigrant communities across Illinois who are living with heightened fear and uncertainty. We urge state and federal leaders to take immediate action to ensure that early learning spaces are recognized and respected as safe locations, protected from immigration enforcement.

Illinois Action for Children reaffirms our commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of all families, regardless of immigration status, and to working with partners to support the Rayito de Sol community in the days ahead.

Please send media inquiries to media@actforchildren.org.