CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) is calling out the continued pattern of federal intimidation after multiple vehicles identified as belonging to ICE agents were seen parked across from an elementary school, across from her district office, Tuesday afternoon.

“Late yesterday afternoon, agents were positioned in the school’s parking lot and alley, minutes before children were released from after-school programs. Their timing and presence were not coincidental. They were intentional and meant to cause chaos and fear in the heart of our community.

“Witnesses reported erratic driving, nearly ramming into my district office, putting residents and staff in danger. These agents are not acting in the public’s best interest, they are terrorizing neighborhoods, not protecting them. We are also hearing that an individual was picked up along 26th Street, further escalating the panic and confusion these actions were clearly designed to create.

“Our schools are not battlegrounds. Children should not have to walk past armed agents to get home. Parents should not have to fear that federal vehicles outside a school mean danger for their families. This is intimidation, plain and simple, and it has no place in our communities.

“I immediately contacted Chicago Public Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. Thankfully, the agents dispersed soon after, and my office staff and the school community are safe. But the fact that this occurred at all is unacceptable.

“I am demanding accountability and an end to these reckless acts that endanger our neighborhoods. Our children deserve safety, not surveillance. Our community deserves peace, not provocation.”