On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the Chicago Teachers Union will rally against the Trump administration’s use of tax dollars to “terrorize our communities” instead of to support education. Their slogan is “We say No Trump, No Troops, No ICE. It’s time to Tax the Rich and fully fund our communities to Trump-proof Chicago and Illinois.”
Reuters reported on an ICE raid in Chicago that showed what Trump is planning for the entire country. “U.S. Border Patrol agents deployed to Chicago led a late-night raid on an apartment building this week, rappelling from helicopters onto rooftops and breaking down doors in an operation authorities said targeted gang members but which swept up U.S. citizens and families . . . As part of the raid, some U.S. citizens were temporarily detained and children pulled from their beds, according to interviews with residents and news reports. Building hallways were still littered with debris two days later … Hundreds of agents swarmed the apartment building during the raid on Tuesday, including some rappelling down to the roof from Black Hawk helicopters, according to NewsNation . . . One resident, who asked not to be named, reported being made to lie down on the ground by agents during the raid and having his hands zip-tied.”
Watch Chris Hayes report on ICE in Chicago on MSNBC.
The Chicago Teachers Union has also been actively informing Chicagoans of their rights. Union members distributed a flyer in English and Spanish and “Defend Your Rights” materials and resources to parents, teachers, and students so that the schools and communities were prepared for the threatened questionably legal occupation of Chicago by armed federal agents. The CTU warned “When tensions are heightened, it is easy for anxiety to get the best of us. Remember, the only secure community is an organized community. There are many rumors swirling around when, what and who will be deployed in our city. The goal is chaos and uncertainty . . . We know that safety for our school communities comes through our solidarity.”
The Chicago Teachers Union response to Trump’s threatened occupation of the city and threat to its immigrant community, including ICE’s unconstitutional targeting people because of their race and ethnicity, is a model for organized workers and communities in other cities.
English text of the flyer:
Defend Your Rights Under Threat of Occupation
The President is threatening to occupy our Black-led city with federal troops. We already have ICE and CPD in our neighborhoods, now Black and brown families from Altgeld Gardens to Rogers Park face the possibility of even more policing. The Chicago Teachers Union won a contract that builds a forcefield around our students. We’ve removed police from our schools so students can learn without concern. And we’ve expanded sustainable community schools to wrap around our communities. No matter what uniform agents wear, you have rights. Knowledge is power & together we will protect our students and each other
IN OUR COMMUNITIES:
We can keep each other safe! Create buddy systems to and from school, connect with neighbors, keep an eye on the block and communicate what you see.
You ALWAYS have the right to remain silent. You DO NOT need to speak to police or federal agents. You DO NOT need to answer any of their questions.
You DO NOT have to consent to be searched. Police can pat you down IF they suspect a weapon, but that's the ONLY reason.
You have the right to ask if you are free to leave.
You DO NOT need to share your birthplace or citizenship status.
You DO NOT need to let officers or agents into your house unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS AT SCHOOL:
Academic freedom to learn our histories: The CTU contract commits educators to teaching Black history, women’s history, LGBTQ+ contributions, Reparations, Latin American Studies, Native American studies, Disability Rights, and antiracist curriculum.
Protecting immigration status: School staff should never ask for, keep records, or share your immigration status. Federal agents are not allowed inside our schools without a judicial warrant.
LGTQIA+ safe schools: Our union secured gender support coordinators in every network, inclusive student dress code language, student privacy, support for trans and gender nonconforming students, and a requirement that employees’ correct names and pronouns be used at all times.
Staff to support, not to police our students: Our contract provides additional Counselors, Social Workers, Restorative Justice Coordinators, Librarians, School Psychologists, Sports Coaches, Fine Arts teachers, and staff to support unhoused students.
Arrested and need a lawyer? Call First Defense at 1-800-529-7374
In ICE Detention or report an ICE sighting? Call the ICIRR Family Support Network (855) 435-7693
