A dramatic escalation in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement unfolded this week in Chicago when federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) entered the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center and apprehended Colombian educator Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano as children looked on in tears, according to an exclusive Reuters report.
Despite claiming “I have my papers!” and possession of valid immigration documents, Santillana was placed in handcuffs and led away by two officers wearing “Police” vests, as captured in local media footage. Witnesses described the scene that unfolded as both chaotic and emotionally charged.
“The children were crying, the parents were crying. It’s a scene we will never forget,” said Tara Goodarzi, an attorney and mother of a three-year-old child, in an interview with Reuters. “On Monday, my daughter took her first steps here, and she was so proud to tell me. She’s such a kind and caring person,” added Laura Tober, another parent who witnessed the arrest.
Parents and daycare management confirmed that Santillana, who originated from Medellín, Colombia, had been employed in the infant classroom for several months. She possessed a valid work permit while her asylum application was being processed. The facility’s administration had consistently assured families that all employees were legally authorized to work in the United States.
“The agents arrested a respected educator in front of crying children. That’s unacceptable. Schools and daycare centers must remain protected spaces,” said Democratic Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offered a defense of the operation, stating that agents were pursuing the woman and another individual following an unsuccessful traffic stop. “Agents followed them into the vestibule of the building after they fled their vehicle. The woman was arrested at the entrance, not inside the daycare,” said Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, disputing eyewitness accounts of where the arrest occurred.
However, numerous eyewitnesses contested the DHS version of events, maintaining that the arrest took place inside the daycare facility within view of the children, contradicting the official statement about the location.
The incident was part of Operation Midway Blitz, which has led to over 3,000 arrests throughout the Chicago area, according to ICE statistics. Just prior to this incident, armed agents were spotted at an Evanston senior center, allegedly attempting to detain landscaping workers.
These aggressive enforcement tactics have profoundly impacted local immigrant communities. Rights advocates characterize them as part of a “politics of fear” under the Trump administration that leaves vulnerable families traumatized and afraid. “These operations are not about public safety; they’re about intimidation,” said a spokesperson for the Chicago Immigrant Justice Network, urging Congressional investigation into ICE’s enforcement practices.
The Rayito de Sol incident has become emblematic of the growing conflict between the White House’s national security agenda and human rights concerns raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups.
The sight of a teacher in handcuffs, surrounded by frightened children, has become emblematic of immigration policy’s devastating emotional toll.
