Poll shows Illinoisans oppose ICE near schools, school funding a critical issue

Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune on Feb 23, 2026

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A majority of Illinoisans are opposed to and concerned about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in their communities and near schools, according to newly released survey data from the Illinois Education Association, a union of more than 135,000 members statewide.

More than half of the 1,000 respondents worry about ICE arresting them, a child, another parent or school employees on school grounds — a fear that should not exist, IEA’s President Karl Goeke said.

“ICE has no place in or near our schools,” Goeke said. “Students cannot learn when they are afraid and educators cannot effectively teach when students don’t feel safe. Schools should be a safe place for our students, their parents and our teachers and staff.”

The IEA is composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.

The survey was conducted by Democrat polling firm, Normington, Petts and Associates, and Republican pollster, Mercury Consulting, who surveyed 1,000 Illinoisans between Jan. 26 and Jan. 29. Jill Normington of Normington, Petts and Associates said the survey allowed them to gain insight into issues they hadn’t polled in the state before.

“This poll asks questions we haven’t seen asked in Illinois, including questions about ICE presence near schools. By basing it on U.S. Census data, it gives us an honest look at what Illinoisans think about all things public education,” Normington said.

In addition to ICE’s presence, the data showed that school funding was a concern for respondents.

The majority, 84%, are worried about teacher shortages, specifically of school support staff like paraprofessionals, bus drivers and librarians.

Goeke said that to address teacher shortages, which is a priority for the organization, the IEA is recommending paid student teaching and addressing the “unjust Tier 2 system” of pensions.

Other concerns for Illinoisans were cuts to federal programs, like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state pension reforms and adjunct compensation.

“Investing in our public schools means we are investing in our entire community,” Goeke said. “We should absolutely be fully funding our schools. Everybody wins. It’s a no-brainer.”

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