Chicago ICE Arrest Sparks Outrage and Protests Until Truth About Suspect Revealed

A school drop-off arrest in Chicago led to protests and political backlash, but ICE later revealed the suspect was a violent gang member with a criminal record and previous deportations.

Key Facts:

Francisco Andrade-Berrera, a 37-year-old illegal migrant from Mexico, was arrested by ICE near a Southside Chicago school.
Outrage erupted as activists, politicians, and school officials condemned the arrest, claiming ICE had ambushed a parent.
ICE later confirmed Andrade-Berrera is a convicted drug trafficker, a member of a violent gang, and had been deported twice before.
Despite activists’ claims, ICE did not enter school property, and the children in the vehicle were safely taken to class.
Chicago officials have a history of spreading misinformation about ICE operations, fueling unnecessary panic.

The Rest of The Story:

The arrest triggered an immediate backlash, with Chicago politicians and activists decrying ICE’s actions.

Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez demanded to know how the city would “protect our children,” while Congressman Chuy Garcia pushed for legislation restricting ICE enforcement near schools.

In my district, ICE ambushed a parent while dropping off their child at school. No family should have to fear being torn apart in a safe place meant for learning.

This is why @RepEspaillat and I introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act—schools, hospitals, and places of… https://t.co/wUHTmmbejJ

— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) February 28, 2025

The Chicago Teachers Union also joined the outcry, attacking President Trump.

However, as more details emerged, ICE confirmed Andrade-Berrera’s extensive criminal background, including convictions for drug trafficking and gang activity.

He had been deported in 2005 and 2013 but re-entered the U.S. illegally.

"ICE Chicago arrested Francisco Andrade-Berrera, 37, a citizen of Mexico, Feb. 26 without incident. Andrade is a known member of a violent street gang with criminal convictions for drug trafficking. gang loitering, and damage to property who was previously removed from the U.S,… https://t.co/qPglBKh2r9

— 16th & 17th District Chicago Police Scanner (@CPD1617Scanner) February 27, 2025

Despite claims of ICE targeting schools, the agency clarified that officers did not attempt to enter any school buildings.

Commentary:

Once again, politicians and activists rushed to condemn ICE before knowing the full story.

Instead of investigating the suspect’s background, they spread misinformation, fueling unnecessary fear in immigrant communities.

Their knee-jerk reactions focused more on attacking ICE than addressing the real issue—why a convicted felon and gang member was in the country illegally.

The idea that ICE “ambushed” a parent is misleading.

Andrade-Berrera isn’t just an undocumented worker trying to support his family—he’s a repeat offender involved in drug trafficking.

He has been deported twice yet continued to violate U.S. law.

Instead of protecting law-abiding residents, Chicago’s leadership would rather shield criminals and attack those enforcing the law.

This is part of a broader pattern where Democratic leaders vilify ICE for doing its job.

They claim agents are storming schools, churches, and hospitals, yet there’s no evidence of ICE forcibly removing individuals from these locations.

You Are Liar and a Fraud … ICE arrested Francisco Andrade-Berrera, 37, outside his kids school near 5100 S St louis Av, He is a citizen of Mexico, Feb. 26 without incident. Andrade is a known member of a violent street gang with criminal convictions for drug trafficking. gang… pic.twitter.com/0N7KasNjQD

— SubX.News® (@SubxNews) February 28, 2025

Their real goal is to undermine immigration enforcement altogether, even when it means ignoring serious threats to public safety.

Chicago officials should be asking a different question: Why was a twice-deported gang member allowed to roam freely in their city?

Rather than using this case to push political agendas, they should be working to ensure criminals like Andrade-Berrera don’t keep coming back.

The Bottom Line:

Chicago leaders jumped to vilify ICE over an arrest without checking the facts.

The suspect, far from being an innocent parent, is a convicted drug trafficker and gang member who has already been deported twice.

Instead of fighting ICE, local officials should focus on protecting their citizens from criminals who have no right to be here.