IFT, AFT, and Elgin Community College Faculty Association Condemn ICE Detention of a Student at a College Campus
- IFT
- Sep 19
- 2 min read
The Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, and Elgin Community College Faculty Association (ECCFA) President Dan Kernler issued the following statement after condemning the detention of a student in an Elgin Community College parking lot.
“We are deeply troubled by reports that a student was detained by ICE in the parking lot of Elgin Community College. Schools, hospitals, and houses of worship must remain safe sanctuaries where people can learn, heal, and gather without fear. This has long been recognized in law and practice. Actions that violate these principles put students, families, and entire communities at risk," said IFT President Dan Montgomery.
Dan Kernler, President of the Elgin Community College Faculty Association representing educators in the impacted community, said, “Our campus community is in shock today. College students and their families should never be separated just because they came to class. Detaining students on campus creates lasting harm and has no place in our communities. Learning and growth can only happen without fear.”
“Schools must be places of learning and belonging, not fear. Targeting families near schools undermines everything educators stand for and inflicts lasting trauma on children. We stand with our Illinois colleagues and immigrant communities across the country in demanding that schools remain off-limits,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
We call on ICE to immediately stop targeting these protected spaces and urge lawmakers and leaders to restore and uphold sanctuary protections. This is the result of the Trump administration’s decision to end a longstanding bipartisan policy on “sensitive locations.” By abandoning this safeguard, the federal government has shown it no longer cares to keep places of worship, hospitals, and schools free from needless paramilitary intrusion. Shame on this administration for putting politics above people. This dangerous theater must end now.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights’ Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 or 855-Help-My-Family.
