ICE Arrest of Twice-Deported Gang Member Near Chicago School Draws Mixed Reactions

The arrest of Francisco Andrade-Berrera, a Mexican national with a criminal history, has reignited debates over immigration enforcement near sensitive locations.

Francisco Andrade-Berrera, a 37-year-old Mexican national, was arrested by ICE outside two Chicago charter schools while dropping off students.
ICE identified Andrade-Berrera as a member of a violent street gang with prior convictions for drug trafficking, gang loitering, and property damage.
The arrest follows a recent policy change allowing ICE to conduct enforcement actions near sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals.
Local leaders and activists criticized the arrest, calling it disruptive to families and students, while ICE emphasized its focus on public safety threats.
Andrade-Berrera, who has been deported twice before, was previously convicted of drug-related charges and expressed regret over his past actions in court documents.