Community Unites Against ICE Raids at Chicago Daycare

On the morning of November 5, 2025, a significant incident unfolded at Rayito de Sol daycare in North Center, Chicago, where federal immigration agents detained a teacher in front of parents and children. This event sparked outrage within the community, leading to a rally later that day, demanding that federal agents refrain from targeting educational environments.

Federal Agents Detain Daycare Teacher

At approximately 07:00, three agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered the daycare located at 2550 W. Addison St. Parents reported that the experience was “traumatizing,” as they witnessed the arrest of the educator known as “Ms. Diana.” Alderman Matt Martin expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “We had masked ICE agents follow a daycare educator into the daycare, where there were parents. There were children. They dragged an educator outside of her place of employment.”

During the detention, Ms. Diana reportedly stated, “I have papers,” indicating her legal status. Despite her claims, she was taken away, prompting immediate support from parents and community members who attempted to intervene.

Community Response and Rally

In response to the incident, Ald. Martin’s office coordinated with local groups, including One Northside and Protect Rogers Park, to organize a rally that evening. Hundreds of community members gathered at Northcenter Town Square, holding signs and chanting slogans such as, “No hate, no fear. Everyone is welcome here.”

Maria Guzman, a parent at Rayito de Sol, described the situation as a “punch in the gut,” highlighting the fears that the incident has instilled among daycare workers and families. “Every single one of the daycare workers is afraid,” she said, expressing concern that their children are now at risk due to the actions of armed federal agents.

The daycare serves as a Spanish-immersion preschool for children aged six weeks to six years, and parents emphasized the importance of the cultural connections fostered within its walls. “I have taken them to a daycare where they are immersed in their culture, where they are cared for by people who are like aunts and grandmothers to my children,” Guzman said.

Following the raid, parents noted that several teachers fled with a child and sought refuge in a vehicle, fearing they might also be targeted. Nathaniel Meadow, a parent, described the chaos, stating that parents arriving during the incident left their children in cars to shield them from witnessing their teachers in distress.

The daycare ultimately closed for the day, as the incident raised alarm among both parents and staff about the safety of children in such environments. The incident has brought to light broader concerns regarding the involvement of federal agents in educational settings, with many community members calling for a reevaluation of such practices.

As the community grapples with the implications of this event, the rally highlighted the collective resolve to protect educational spaces from federal intervention. The actions taken by ICE on that day have not only affected the individuals involved but have also ignited a movement within the North Center community to advocate for the safety and rights of all families.