A 37-year-old Mexican citizen, Francisco Andrade-Berrera, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) near a Southside Chicago school.
The arrest quickly led to protests from local leaders and activists. Video footage showed two ICE agents placing Andrade-Berrera in handcuffs near the school, sparking anger among residents.
Schools Activate Support Systems
Following the arrest, two nearby schools activated “Community Wellness Protocols,” informing parents that extra social work support would be available to help students handle the “stressful and upsetting” incident.
Local Leaders Condemn the Arrest
Chicago alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez criticized the arrest, questioning the role of Chicago Public Schools in protecting students from such incidents.
Hilario Dominguez of the Chicago Teachers Union also spoke against the detention, blaming former President Donald Trump for the situation.
ICE Reveals the Truth: Gang Ties and Criminal Record
However, before all the facts were known, ICE revealed that Andrade-Berrera was a violent street gang member with multiple criminal convictions.
He had been involved in drug trafficking, gang loitering, and property damage. Additionally, records showed that he had been deported twice, in 2005 and 2013.
Previous Conviction for Drug Trafficking
In 2023, Andrade-Berrera pleaded guilty to buying five ounces of cocaine, which he intended to sell, according to federal prosecutors in Chicago.
He was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Family Appeals for Mercy
Despite his criminal record, Andrade-Berrera described himself as a hardworking husband and father of four.
In a letter to a judge, he expressed regret for his past actions and stated that he had dreams of opening his restaurant. His wife also appealed for leniency, saying that their family needed him.
ICE Denies Entering Schools
ICE confirmed that while they arrested Andrade-Berrera near the school, they never attempted to enter any school buildings.
Officials from Chicago Public Schools also verified that ICE agents had no direct contact with students inside school premises.
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Political Debate Over ICE Actions
This incident is not the first of its kind in Chicago. A month earlier, Chicago Public Schools falsely reported that ICE agents had tried to enter a different school.
Former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel criticized local politicians for using such cases for political purposes. He emphasized that ICE does not forcibly remove individuals from schools, calling such claims “completely false.”
Conclusion
What started as a protest against an ICE arrest turned into a revelation of a suspect’s violent past.
The case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, community reactions, and the spread of misinformation regarding ICE’s actions in schools.
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