A veteran West Chicago elementary school teacher resigned after facing backlash for a two-word social media post expressing support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting tensions between free speech and student safety concerns.

James Heidorn, a longtime physical education teacher at Gary Elementary School, wrote “GO ICE” on Facebook in response to a news story about local police cooperating with ICE. The post drew criticism from parents, activists, and local lawmakers, including Illinois Democratic state Sen. Karina Villa, who said she stands in “unwavering solidarity” with families upset by the comments.

“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” Heidorn told Fox News Digital. “I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model. 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.”

Heidorn was placed on administrative leave on 22 January pending an investigation and initially resigned before briefly rescinding it. After a hearing with school officials, he submitted a second resignation rather than risk termination.

West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey described the post as “hurtful” and “offensive,” noting, “We have trusted adults who are the ones that care for those kids when they can’t be with their mom and their dad…events which have traumatized these children…that is the issue.”

Parents and community members echoed concerns about student safety. At a 26 January listening session, one parent said “kids do not feel safe,” while another described the post as “cruel.” Some parents also kept their children home from school in protest.

At the same time, Heidorn emphasized his intention was not directed at students or families. “This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” he said. “Second, I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out…Third, I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes.”

The resignation drew both support and criticism. A GoFundMe page described Heidorn as a “beloved physical education teacher” who “showed up every day for his students.” Heidorn said the emotional toll has been significant, adding, “I never intended to harm or divide anyone…to my students: I want you to know that I care about you deeply and always have.”

The situation comes amid national scrutiny of ICE operations, which have included six deaths in custody and multiple fatal shootings during enforcement operations in January 2026 alone. Reports include the deaths of Geraldo Lunas Campos, 55, in Texas, Renee Nicole Good, 37, and Alex Pretti, 37, in Minneapolis, raising concerns about the safety and human rights of immigrant communities.

Experts and lawmakers have questioned the use of force by ICE and other federal agents. “This is a ramping up of the deportation machinery that was already there,” said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute.

Heidorn raised broader questions about free speech. “Most importantly, this is bigger than me: it’s about whether personal opinions expressed outside of work can cost someone their livelihood without due process…Fairness should apply equally, regardless of those viewpoints. I believe in free speech for all, and that’s what I hope comes out of all this,” he said.

The West Chicago Elementary School District 33 declined to provide details on what policy Heidorn violated or whether teachers with opposing views would face similar consequences. Superintendent Kristina Davis said the district acted after learning of “a disruptive social media comment made by a district employee on his personal account.”

Going forward, Heidorn said he is exploring educational or related career options, while reflecting on the impact of the situation. “I want people to know I’m grateful for the outpouring of support…It reminds me that most people value fairness and second chances,” he said.