A Gary Elementary teacher's reported 'GO ICE' Facebook comment sparked swift backlash in the predominantly Hispanic West Chicago community, including circulated screenshots, a flyer and a Change.org petition calling for the teacher's removal. The employee submitted a resignation on Jan. 22, 2026, then withdrew it; following a meeting with administrators the teacher was placed on administrative leave while the district's legal counsel investigates. State Senator Karina Villa and Mayor Daniel Bovey joined parents in condemning the comment; the district has not specified whether any policies were violated.
West Chicago Teacher Placed on Leave After 'GO ICE' Facebook Post Sparks Community Outcry
Gary Elementary School in West, Chicago(Fox News)
A teacher at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago was placed on administrative leave after a social media comment — reportedly saying 'GO ICE' — circulated through the predominantly Hispanic community and prompted protests, an online petition and calls for the educator's removal. Fox News Digital is not naming the employee for safety reasons; the teacher's Facebook account appears to have been deleted and the original post could not be independently located.
What Happened
Community members shared screenshots of the comment and organized a flyer and a Change.org petition demanding the teacher be removed. Organizers argued the post was 'inappropriate and unsuitable for an educator' and that retaining the employee would 'disrupt the emotional welfare and therefore, the education of our students.'
An ICE agent is seen standing in front of a house in a residential area.
District Response And Timeline
According to an email obtained by Fox News Digital from District 33 Superintendent Kristina Davis, the employee submitted a written resignation on Friday, January 22, 2026, before an investigation began, then withdrew that resignation before the board could act. The district said it has obtained legal counsel to conduct an investigation and, following a Monday meeting with administrators, the employee has been placed on administrative leave and is not permitted on any district property while the investigation continues.
'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 district statement said. 'Following a meeting with District administration today, the employee involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation and will not be permitted on any District property while on leave.'
Community Reaction
Illinois State Senator Karina Villa said she stands in 'unwavering solidarity' with families who described the comments as 'disturbing,' while Mayor Daniel Bovey requested a city listening session that included a Spanish translator. Parents and residents at the session said some children felt unsafe and described the comment as 'cruel.' The district has declined to specify which, if any, policies the teacher may have violated by expressing support for a law enforcement agency on a personal social media account.
Chicago, Illinois skyline.
Knowns And Unknowns
Confirmed details: the comment circulated widely in the community, a petition and organized protest actions followed, the employee briefly resigned then rescinded that resignation, the district retained legal counsel, and the teacher was placed on administrative leave pending investigation. Unconfirmed or unclear details: the original post's full context and whether any specific district policies were violated, since the district has not publicly identified particular rules that were broken.
The district said it hopes to see students return to class and thanked families for their patience while the investigation proceeds.
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