Overview
- DHS identified the woman as Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, who was detained at Rayito de Sol in northwest Chicago in an incident captured on video as children and parents looked on.
- A DHS spokesperson said agents attempted a traffic stop, pursued a vehicle registered to Galeano, and arrested her in a lobby after she fled, alleging she lied about her identity.
- Local leaders, including Rep. Mike Quigley, contend agents entered without a warrant and removed the teacher in front of students, while Rep. Delia Ramírez said she will push for a federal review.
- DHS says Galeano crossed the border irregularly in 2023 and that a work permit does not confer lawful status, while news reports note she had employment authorization and a pending asylum case.
- The incident has drawn protests and renewed focus on Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, a heightened ICE enforcement campaign reported since September in immigrant neighborhoods.