URGENT UPDATE Regarding Safety, ICE, and Federal Troops

Federal troops are expected to arrive in Chicago as early as this weekend, raising serious concerns about possible ICE activity and the impact on our schools and communities. Earlier today, CPAA joined CPS, CTU, SEIU in a collaborative meeting to respond to these developments. These partners have committed to working together to ensure communication and protocols are clear and we want you to know this: principals and assistant principals are not an afterthought. You are being represented in these discussions, from the very start, as decisions are made.

Joint guidance will follow soon, but here is what you need to know right now:

Federal Troops and ICE
Troops could be deployed in Chicago as early as this weekend. CPAA is engaged daily in conversations to ensure your leadership role is protected and that schools remain safe for students and staff.

Walk-In Actions Tomorrow
Roughly 100 schools may see “Walk-In” actions tomorrow morning. These are visibility campaigns intended to raise awareness and educate communities about their rights and available resources.

Protocols Remain in Place
These actions do not override existing CPS protocols. Leaders are not expected to grant entry or participate in ways that disrupt learning. Your role is to maintain school operations while respecting the visibility effort outside.

Immediate Steps for Leaders
Talk with your support team today, and first thing tomorrow:

  • Connect with your security and Safe Passage staff to ensure everyone is aligned 

  • Identify a PRIMARY point person for communication

  • Ensure your Emergency Plans are up to date

  • Ensure Emergency Contact Forms are up to date

  • Review Visitor Management protocols 

  • Ensure your Emergency Drills have been conducted 

CPAA will continue to press CPS to be transparent with school leaders and we will elevate concerns you bring to us to ensure they are addressed. If questions arise in your building, reach out to CPS leadership immediately. 

We know that increased policing often brings stop-and-frisk and heightened fear, especially in Black and Brown communities. All of our students are vulnerable in moments like this, and they need the steady leadership and real protections you always provide. We are committed to ensuring safe passage and addressing community fears not only with words, but with action.

We will meet again tomorrow with CPS and are prepared to meet every day until protocols are updated and every school leader has confidence in what to expect during this challenging and unfortunate time in Chicago. We will keep you informed as we push for the support you and your schools need to lead with confidence.

In solidarity,
Kia Banks
President