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Chicago Police Probe ICE Threat After Liquid Thrown at Kids Leaving Mexican Dance Class

Local leaders have called it a hate incident, sharpening scrutiny of intimidation directed at children.

Overview

  • Video shows a woman yelling "You're lucky ICE isn't here" as a man on an upper floor poured a clear liquid onto families exiting Ballet Folklorico de Chicago around 10 p.m. Friday.
  • Police say victims included two 13-year-olds, a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl, and the investigation remains open with no charges announced.
  • The studio's founder said she plans to seek an order of protection in court after reporting prior conflicts with the same neighbors, including earlier ICE-related threats.
  • Alds. Felix Cardona Jr. and Ruth Cruz publicly backed the studio, with Cardona labeling the episode a hate incident and facilitating contact with police leadership.
  • The neighbors told reporters they have long complained about noise, denied racist intent, identified themselves as Latino, and said they have received death threats since the video spread.