Immigration agents arrest CPS vendor outside North Side school

In an email, Decatur Classical School officials say an employee of a vendor was taken into custody, but no students witnessed the incident. Officials emphasized that CPS will not cooperate with immigration enforcement without a warrant being presented.

Decatur Classical School in the 7000 block of North Sacramento Avenue in West Ridge.

An employee of a Chicago Public Schools vendor was taken into custody by federal agents outside a Far North Side school Tuesday, according to an email sent to the school’s community.

Decatur Classical School officials said no students witnessed the vendor being taken or interacted with federal agents, according to the email, which was sent at 1:39 p.m. Afternoon physical education classes were held indoors out of an “abundance of caution,” though after-school programming went ahead as planned.

School officials emphasized CPS would not work with federal agents or let them inside school buildings unless they present a criminal judicial warrant.

“I know this situation has created many fears and concerns in our community, and I want to emphasize that we are taking this situation extremely seriously,” the West Ridge school said in the statement. “Our staff is well-versed in the proper protocols for keeping our students and school community safe in any event involving federal law enforcement.”

In a response to a request for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said it was “actively looking into” the detainment and pointed to a Sept. 9 news release saying federal agents “do not raid” schools.

“Officers would need secondary supervisor approval before any action can be taken in locations such as a school,” the September news release said.

CPS didn’t have further information to share at the time of publication. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.