Chaya Raichik, founder of Libs of TikTok | Gage Skidmore (Wikipedia Commons)
Chaya Raichik, founder of Libs of TikTok | Gage Skidmore (Wikipedia Commons)
The Chicago Board of Education is facing criticism after passing a resolution that aims to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from interacting with students or entering Chicago Public Schools (CPS) facilities unless they have a criminal warrant.
Libs of TikTok, a political commentary-focused account with more than 3.8 million followers, posted a breakdown of the resolution and accused the district of advancing a specific agenda.
“BREAKING: Chicago schools passed a resolution to train staff, students, and families on ‘immigrant rights’ and prevent ICE from interacting with the district, students, and coming on school grounds unless they have a criminal warrant,” Libs of TikTok wrote on X. “Thousands of migrant kids are enrolled in Chicago Public Schools.”
Libs of TikTok, founded by former real estate agent Chaya Raichik, has a history of critiquing progressive education policies.
The Chicago Board of Education approved the resolution on Nov. 14, which includes training for staff, students, and families. The policy was introduced in response to concerns following the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
“The 2024 Presidential Election may have caused fear, concern, confusion, sadness, anger, or anxiety in CPS staff, students, and their families,” the resolution states.
The resolution outlines several commitments, including working with union partners and immigration advocates to educate CPS staff and families on legal statuses such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and refugee protections.
“CPS schools will always welcome all students, staff, and their families regardless of legal status,” the resolution reads.
The district also pledged not to assist ICE in enforcing federal civil immigration laws. This provision has garnered significant attention.
The resolution comes amid a rise in migrant students enrolling in CPS. According to district reports, thousands of children from Central and South America have joined CPS in recent years, leading to an increase in students that are required to learn the English language.
CPS plans to provide multi-language resources to assist students and families with legal, mental health, and public safety concerns. District officials say the new measures aim to support these students and ensure they receive a high-quality education.
The resolution also calls for CPS to advocate at the state and federal levels for the continuation of programs like DACA and TPS, as well as to oppose legislation that could harm immigrant communities.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) is pushing for contract proposals that would provide additional resources and protections for immigrant students and their families. These include support for mental health services, academic assistance, and transportation. The union also advocates for stronger protections against discrimination to ensure immigrant students feel safe and supported in the classroom.
The CTU praised the Chicago Board of Education’s resolution.