The Chicago Public Schools and teachers union have reaffirmed their commitment to being a "sanctuary space" before the Trump administration.

On Thursday, CPS and CTU issued a joint statement declaring their commitment to providing a "sanctuary" environment for all students, parents, employees, and community members at school for school-related activities.

The new presidential administration's impact on CPS has caused concern and anxiety among students, families, and staff. However, the letter from CPS Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez and CTU president Stacy Davis Gates assures all school community stakeholders that their schools will remain safe learning environments that promote respect, love, and tolerance.

In 2019, Martinez and Davis Gates reached a collective bargaining agreement that declared the schools as sanctuary spaces. The letter they issued ahead of the incoming Trump administration specified how they would uphold their commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of all students.

Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump's "border czar" pick, has pledged to intensify efforts to control the influx of migrants in Chicago. Homan intends to verify the status of asylum seekers and prosecute anyone who provides sanctuary to illegal immigrants. Additionally, he has threatened to prosecute Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson if he impedes ICE's mass deportation efforts.

During student registration, school personnel must ensure that the process is as simple as possible. If families lack a permanent address, staff should adhere to the (STLS) Students in Temporary Living Situations guidelines, which categorize students who reside in temporary housing.

It is forbidden for staff to inquire about or retain information about a student's or family member's immigration status.

The letter states that the CPS staff will receive training on how to handle ICE agents' requests for entry onto school property and take proactive measures to help students and families with immigration issues.

Chicago's "welcoming city" ordinance, in accordance with the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, prohibits local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement.

The surge of migrants in Chicago has been a contentious issue for the city's officials, who have been grappling with how to address the influx of asylum-seekers. While some residents have praised the efforts of Mayor Johnson and the New Arrivals Mission, others have criticized the organization for its high cost and impact on the city's budget.

On Wednesday, the Chicago city council rejected a plan that would have enabled local police to help ICE in detaining migrants who have a criminal history.

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) commended the cancellation of a measure proposed by Ald. Ray Lopez and Ald. Silvana Tabares. CTU Financial Secretary Maria Mareno accused Lopez of attempting to "endanger the city's immigrant communities, expose the city to legal liabilities, and collaborate with Trump in his mass deportation plans."

In trying times for vulnerable communities, leaders reveal their true nature, according to Mareno.

In 2023, Lopez and Tabares proposed an ordinance that would allow police to collaborate with ICE to apprehend migrants who had been detained for gang, drug, or sexual offenses. However, their proposal was met with opposition from activist groups.