US Senators demand Linda McMahon to rein in DHS operations near schools
A coalition of Democratic senators, led by Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, has called on the United States Department of Education to intervene in federal immigration enforcement near schools, citing recent incidents that disrupted classrooms in Chicago. The senators’ letter, obtained by NBC News, urges Education Secretary Linda McMahon to request the Department of Homeland Security to limit operations within 1,000 feet of school property.“Federal agents continue to use unwarranted, excessive levels of force around Chicago, demonstrating an alarming lack of care or regard for the health and wellbeing of children, particularly by conducting unfocused, inflammatory operations within close proximity of school grounds,” the letter states. The senators demand that McMahon press her colleague, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, to reinstate restrictions on federal enforcement operations around educational institutions.
Common-sense policing near schools
The letter argues that if society can agree to keep alcohol, tobacco, and drugs away from schools, then “tear gas — a chemical weapon which causes burning, pain, skin inflammation and respiratory distress — and other violent Department of Homeland Security tools and tactics also belong on that list,” NBC News reports.Other senators who co-signed the letter include Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland; Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada; Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; Cory Booker and Andy Kim of New Jersey; and Ed Markey of Massachusetts.
Incidents prompting the letter
NBC News previously documented immigration activity near schools, including one instance where tear gas drifted toward a playground, forcing students indoors. Teachers reported that students were fearful during classroom lessons.The senators’ letter specifically requests that federal agents in Chicago refrain from conducting “Operation Midway Blitz” within 1,000 feet of public and private schools.When NBC News asked whether the Department of Homeland Security would consider a policy to avoid school areas during enforcement, a department spokesperson did not provide a direct answer. “Why was the tear gas deployed? Because of violent rioters,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in an email to NBC News. Witnesses, however, offered a different account, indicating the crowd was not violent.
Two cited incidents
The letter highlights two recent episodes in Chicago. On 3 October, approximately 700 feet from Funston Elementary School during lunch, federal agents’ use of chemical agents forced the school to move recess and outdoor activities indoors for the remainder of the day.On 8 October, federal agents reportedly “forcefully dragged two women out of a car in front of a school on the West Side of Chicago, violently detaining them without presenting a warrant, as children and parents watched on in horror,” according to the letter. McLaughlin defended the actions, stating the vehicle had been driven recklessly and the occupants refused to comply with law enforcement commands.
Union response and community concerns
Earlier this month, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten visited Chicago to meet union members on navigating immigration enforcement. At a roundtable inside Funston Elementary, she emphasised that the union aimed to protect both students and the community. In Chicago, immigration officers are prohibited from entering city schools or city-owned properties to conduct enforcement activities.“School should be an ICE-free zone, just like it’s a gun-free zone and a drug-free zone,” Weingarten told NBC News.
Implications
The senators’ letter and recent incidents in Chicago highlight growing concern over federal enforcement activity near educational institutions. As debates continue over balancing law enforcement with student safety, the role of the Department of Education and DHS remains under scrutiny.
