1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and outrage over the recent arrest of Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, a teacher at Rayito de Sol Spanish-language immersion day care in Chicago, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This incident, which occurred in front of young children, is not only traumatic for those involved but also raises serious questions about ICE's tactics and respect for our communities. The circumstances of Ms. Santillana Galeano's arrest are deeply troubling. ICE agents reportedly followed her into the day care facility without a warrant, violating the safety and sanctity of an educational environment. This action contradicts ICE's own claim that the arrest was part of a "targeted traffic stop," an account disputed by local officials and parents. Moreover, the timing of this arrest, coinciding with a federal court hearing about ICE's use of force in the Chicago area, is particularly alarming. It's crucial to note that Ms. Santillana Galeano, a Colombian national, reportedly had a valid work permit. While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that this permit does not confer legal status, it does indicate that she was known to and approved by our immigration system to work in the United States. The aggressive manner of her arrest seems disproportionate and unnecessary. I urge you to take immediate action on this matter. First and foremost, I ask that you demand the immediate release of Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano. Secondly, I request a thorough investigation into ICE's tactics in this case, particularly their decision to enter a day care center and conduct an arrest in the presence of children. Furthermore, I implore you to support measures that would prevent such incidents in the future. This could include legislation to designate schools and day care centers as protected locations where ICE cannot conduct operations, similar to existing policies for churches and courthouses. The impact of such aggressive enforcement tactics extends far beyond the individuals directly involved. They create fear and distrust within immigrant communities, potentially deterring families from accessing essential services like education and healthcare. This not only harms these communities but weakens the fabric of our society as a whole. As your constituent, I ask you to stand up for our community's values of compassion, justice, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Please take swift action to address this situation and prevent future occurrences that traumatize our children and undermine our community's trust in law enforcement.