U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents approached someone as they walked out of an Oak Park children’s museum last week, according to museum officials.
ICE agents seen near the campus of the Wonder Works children’s museum approached a museum visitor for questioning as they left the museum, but federal agents did not enter Wonder Works’ North Avenue building, according to Wonder Works Executive Director Rachel Weber.
“We are aware that one museum visitor was questioned upon leaving our space,” Weber said in an email to Wednesday Journal. “There was no contact between ICE and Wonder Works staff or operations. We want to assure our community that we have an action plan in place to support and guide our staff in the event of any similar occurrences in the future and that the safety of our staff and guests is our highest priority. Wonder Works Children’s Museum remains committed to our mission: to spark curiosity and creativity in ALL young children through positive, play-based learning experiences.”
ICE activity had also been reported last Friday around the River Forest Public Library, library spokesperson Francisca Arnold told Wednesday Journal last week. Residents had reported that agents interviewed someone in the library’s garden before the building opened the morning of Friday, Oct. 3, she said.
River Forest Police Chief James Greenwood said the department has not substantiated that report or seen other indications of federal immigration enforcement activity in River Forest over the last week.
“The River Forest Police Department did receive similar reports regarding the possible presence of federal immigration personnel near the River Forest Public Library on Friday morning,” Greenwood said. “At this time, we have not been able to confirm or substantiate any of those reports. There were no detentions observed, and we have not received any verified information indicating that any immigration enforcement activity took place in or around the library—or elsewhere in River Forest—over the past week. We understand that reports of this nature can raise concerns within the community. Please know that the River Forest Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals in our village.”
