WGN-TV Employee Released Without Charges After Detainment by Border Patrol in Lincoln Square

CHICAGO (WLS) — WGN-TV released a statement Friday after a video showed one of their employees being detained by federal agents in Chicago.

She was later released without charges.

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The woman was taken into custody Friday morning near Lincoln and Foster avenues in Lincoln Square, video showed.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said U.S. Border Patrol agents were working in the area when the WGN staffer allegedly threw objects at their vehicle.

WGN-TV released the following updated statement Friday evening:
“Earlier today, a WGN-TV creative services employee was detained by ICE. She has since been released, and no charges were filed against her. Out of respect for her privacy, we will have no further statements about this incident.”

Witnesses said federal agents took man into custody in an alley near where the WGN staffer was detained.

Federal agents were also seen in a video Friday sweeping a parking lot used by rideshare drivers near O’Hare Airport, detaining at least one person.

In another video, federal agents were spotted near Ravenswood Elementary as students were being dropped off in the morning.

“When they were targeting the kids and the parents trying to take their kids to school… and ICE is grabbing these people. It gutted me, and I wanted to do everything I can to help,” school parent Katie Reap said.

Concerned parents and neighbors with the group Circle of Help returned to the school in numbers, stationed at every corner during class dismissal.

“It is out of a fear, and it’s out of a fierce love for all of the families that we have here at this school,” said Jessica Alldredge with Circle of Help at Ravenswood. “We have parents who are willing to continue doing this watch as long as they can. It’s very sad to me to not know when this is going to end.”

They united under immense uncertainty to help escort students safely back home.

“For a lot of these families, I feel like, it could be just going to school or coming back home school, that’s the last time that you see your mom or your father,” community member Bert Hernandez said.

ICE activity was reported Friday near more schools across Chicago’s North Side, officials said.

Ald. Matt Martin of the 47th Ward shared the following statement:
“This morning, ICE agents have been active throughout our ward, as well as in neighboring wards. These agents are wearing green-and-beige camouflage uniforms, are driving white and black SUVs, and have detained multiple people. Many of the locations ICE agents have been spotted at are schools-both public and private. If you’re able, please consider supporting safe pick ups at the school closest to you. I know that so many across our ward and city are afraid to venture outside-even for the most mundane activities-worried that they, their loved ones, or their neighbors may be targeted. Let’s continue supporting one another.”

Lane Tech High School sent the following message to school parents:
“LANETHS-Safety is number one priority; we were notified there may be ICE activity in the area. If students would like to remain in the building to wait for safe ride or bus, they are welcome. Adults will be near the bus stops in case there is a need for support.”