**Elementary School Teacher Resigns Following Controversial Social Media Post Supporting ICE**
WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) — An elementary school teacher at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago has resigned after a social media post expressing support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sparked outrage among parents and community members in the west suburbs.
The teacher’s post, a brief two-word comment saying “Go ICE,” appeared in response to an article about ICE’s immigration activities. The comment quickly drew backlash from residents concerned about the impact of ICE enforcement in their community, which has a large Latino population.
Following the incident, the school district placed the teacher on leave while conducting an investigation. On Thursday, the teacher voluntarily resigned, and the school board subsequently approved the resignation, officials confirmed.
The social media comment led to a protest last month, when more than 100 parents and local residents filled the West Chicago City Council chambers on January 26 to voice their frustration that the teacher remained employed by the district. Many attendees have previously expressed opposition to ICE activities in West Chicago.
Protesters highlighted the recent turmoil in the community, noting that ICE operations have resulted in family separations, deeply affecting students in the district. “We have kids in our school districts, in this school specifically, who have lost a mom or dad or family member within the last three months. They’re going home wondering if they will ever see mom or dad again,” said West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey.
Mayor Bovey invited demonstrators to express their concerns at the city council meeting rather than at the school itself. The protest also prompted some parents to keep their children home from school that day, with some bringing their kids to the meeting.
“You have many students across District 33 who did not go to school today because of fear incited by a teacher,” Illinois State Senator Karina Villa remarked during the meeting.
While many protesters acknowledged the teacher’s First Amendment right to free speech, they emphasized their own rights and the need for a safe environment for students.
In a statement, Superintendent Kristina Davis said, “On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the District learned of concerns regarding a disruptive social media comment made by a District employee on his personal account. The teacher initially submitted his resignation. Later that day, he withdrew his resignation before the Board had an opportunity to take action.”
The situation underscored ongoing tensions within the community related to immigration enforcement and its local effects. With the teacher’s resignation now finalized, the district aims to move forward and maintain a supportive learning environment for all students.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/gary-elementary-school-teachers-go-ice-post-social-media-draws-outrage-west-chicago-district-33-community/18556009/
