A Chicago-area teacher who says he was forced to resign after posting “Go ICE” on Facebook is now speaking publicly about the emotional and financial toll the controversy has taken on his life.
The educator, who spent 14 years in the classroom, described the experience as both shocking and devastating. According to him, a brief social media post expressing support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) triggered swift backlash that ultimately led to his resignation. He maintains that his statement — just two words, “Go ICE” — was a personal expression of support for law enforcement and not directed at any individual or student.
“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model,” he said. “To see it all upended over two simple words, ‘Go ICE,’ where I expressed my personal support for law enforcement, felt like a severe blow to my career.”
The controversy reportedly began when the teacher shared the post on his personal Facebook account. Though the account was not an official school platform, screenshots of the post began circulating, prompting criticism from some parents and community members who viewed the message as politically charged and potentially harmful in a diverse school environment.
