An elementary school in Chicago entered a soft lockdown Friday amid reports of ICE agents in the area.
Windows and doors to the A.N. Pritzker School, located at 2009 West Schiller Street in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, would all be locked and not opened “until further notice” amid the soft lockdown.
The school community was informed of the soft lockdown by the school’s principal in a message posted on the school website.
“I want to take a moment to speak to each of you with care and concern. It has been brought to our attention that ICE agents have been reported in our neighborhood. As your principal, my top priority is your safety and well-being,” the principal said in the message.
The daily schedule of classes will continue amid the soft lockdown.
The soft lockdown began in the early afternoon and lasts the remainder of the day.
“This is a Soft Lockdown, it is not an actual emergency, but rather a safety precaution,” the message stated.
Parents were asked to notify teachers of a “trusted adult” if they would not be doing pickup at dismissal.
“Please know that these steps are being taken to ensure you feel safe and supported while you are here at school,” the principal stated in the message. “Together, we will look out for one another and make sure everyone is protected.”
NBC Chicago reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment and did not immediately receive a response.