Statement from IEA President Al Llorens on Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Operation Midway Blitz

SPRINGFIELD - The following statement is attributable to Illinois Education Association (IEA) President Al Llorens:

"As educators, we are committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for all our students and their families, regardless of immigration status. That is why we stand firmly against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in our communities, and especially in or near our schools.

"ICE raids instill fear, disrupt families and destabilize the learning environment for thousands of children. No student should ever come to school afraid that their parent may not be there when they get home. No child should have to carry the weight of wondering whether their school, place of safety, learning and support, might become the site of a traumatic immigration enforcement action. When schools are surrounded by fear, students cannot learn, teachers cannot teach and communities cannot thrive.

"We call on every school district to work together with our educators, students and their families to put safety protocols in place and ensure no ICE agents enter school property without a proper warrant. We must prioritize the dignity and humanity of every family in our care.

"Our union will continue to advocate fiercely for the protection and rights of our immigrant students and their families. We stand together, united for our students, our schools and our communities."

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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.