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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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A teacher in the West Chicago area has spoken out after reportedly resigning from his job following backlash over a social media post that read "Go ICE," expressing support for federal agents.
James Heidorn had worked for 14 years as a physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School in a district with a predominantly Hispanic student population, Fox News reported.
The two-word Facebook comment was made in response to a news article about immigration enforcement activity. After screenshots circulated online, some parents and community members criticized the post, saying it was insensitive in a district that serves a large Hispanic population.
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Why It Matters
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is receiving a wave of criticism over allegations of heavy-handed tactics, racial profiling and denying due process rights.
What To Know
"This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal," Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
School officials placed Heidorn on administrative leave in late January as the district reviewed the social media comment. Amid ongoing public reaction and expressions of concern from some families about students’ comfort and safety, Heidorn initially resigned, briefly rescinded it, and then resigned again after a hearing with school administrators. He also lost a separate coaching position at a private school.
"To my students: I want you to know that I care about you deeply and always have. The person you knew in class—the one who encouraged you, played with you and cheered you on—is still the same person," Heidorn said. "I always tried to provide the best learning environment and great atmosphere for us all to grow. I have always had your best interest in mind by showing passion, support, care, and safety no matter what."
Federal authorities launched Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago on September 8, 2025, targeting undocumented immigrants in sanctuary cities. While agents have since withdrawn from Chicago and redeployed, aggressive federal immigration enforcement operations continue across the country, fueling legal battles, community protests, and debates over civil liberties.
What People Are Saying
James Heidorn told Fox News Digital: "I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement felt like a severe blow to my career."
The West Chicago Elementary School District 33 said in a statement: "We understand that this situation has raised concerns and caused disruption for students, families, and staff. We want to ensure our schools are safe spaces, and we look forward to seeing all students back in school tomorrow.
A spokesperson for DHS told Newsweek. "DHS arrested more than 4,500 illegal aliens, including rapists, murderers and gang members, as part of Operation Midway Blitz."
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey said: "The issue is we have trusted adults who are the ones that care for those kids when they can’t be with their mom and their dad. So to have someone cavalierly rooting on—as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go—events which have traumatized these children…that is the issue."
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