Democrats have turned ICE into the boogeyman.
Speaking the truth about law enforcement is something they can't handle.
And a Chicago teacher lost his job for saying two words to support ICE.
One Physical Education Teacher, Two Words, 14 Years Down the Drain
James Heidorn spent 14 years at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago teaching kids to love physical education.
His students knew him as the teacher who showed up every single day, who played with them during recess, who cheered them on when they struggled.
He earned a master's degree in educational leadership because he wanted to be the best teacher possible.
Then he wrote "GO ICE" on Facebook.
Two words in response to a news story about local cops pledging to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
Activists in the predominantly Hispanic community saw the post and went ballistic.
They flooded social media calling Heidorn "sick" and a "f****** piece of s***."
Left-wing activists organized a Change.org petition demanding his head.
State Senator Karina Villa and Mayor Daniel Bovey jumped in to fan the flames.
School administrators put Heidorn on administrative leave and dragged him into HR meetings.
He resigned once, withdrew his resignation when he realized what was happening, then resigned again before they could fire him.
"I've spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model," Heidorn told Fox News Digital.
"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."
The backlash didn't stop at his teaching job.
A private school fired him from his coaching position.
Every future employer will demand an explanation for why he resigned.
His teaching career – the only thing he ever wanted to do – is over.
"I really don't know what is next for me, as the teaching profession has been, up to this point in time, all that I ever wanted to do," he said.
"It is all I have ever studied for and teaching is what has defined me."
His students never got to say goodbye to the teacher who encouraged them, played with them, and cheered them on.
The Teachers Who Face Zero Consequences
James Heidorn was being destroyed for two words supporting law enforcement.
At the same time, teachers across America were organizing mass resistance against ICE.
Not one lost their job.
Denver teachers called out of work in such high numbers that entire school districts shut down.
The Denver Classroom Teachers Association told members to "make the choice that they feel is best" about walking out to protest against immigration enforcement.
Minnesota teachers filed a lawsuit – with their union's backing – demanding ICE stay away from schools.
The National Education Association – the largest teachers' union in America – filed an emergency motion to stop ICE enforcement near schools nationwide.
Not one faced discipline.
James Heidorn wrote "GO ICE" on his personal Facebook account and lost everything.
The Excuse Doesn't Hold Up
School officials claimed Heidorn's post caused "disruption" to the school environment.
Teachers organizing mass walkouts force entire school districts to close.
Under a 1968 Supreme Court case called Pickering, courts balance a teacher's right to speak on public issues against the school's need to function smoothly.
Teachers speaking as private citizens on their own time get strong First Amendment protection.
Massachusetts teacher Kari MacRae posted conservative views on immigration enforcement before she was even hired.
Fired.
She sued all the way to the Supreme Court.
Lost.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that courts are "misapplying First Amendment precedents in cases involving controversial political speech."
When conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed in 2025, dozens of teachers posted celebrating his death.
Many kept their jobs.
Some who got fired were reinstated after courts ruled their speech was protected.
Support ICE? Career over.
Organize against ICE? Union backing, lawsuit funding, national platform.
"It does feel like a double standard – due to my viewpoint being different from others within the community that I taught in," Heidorn said.
"I feel that we should all be able to coexist with our personal political viewpoints. Fairness should apply equally."
He's exactly right.
Heidorn's students lost a teacher who spent 14 years showing up every single day.
Politics never entered his classroom.
His crime? Supporting federal agents doing their legally assigned jobs.
The hypocrisy isn't subtle, It's policy.
Sources:
- Fox News, "Chicago teacher placed on leave after Facebook post supporting ICE sparks outrage from activists," January 2026.
- Chicago Tribune, "West Chicago teacher resigns after being placed on leave for social media post supporting ICE," February 6, 2026.
- The College Fix, "Teachers ousted, disciplined over pro-ICE social media comments," February 13, 2026.
- Chalkbeat Colorado, "Denver metro school districts cancel classes on day of planned ICE protests," January 30, 2026.
- Education Week, "Educators Sue Over ICE Activity on School Grounds and Nearby," February 2026.
- CNN, "Minnesota teachers and parents decry the impact of ICE raids on schools," February 3, 2026.
- Daily Signal, "Justices Turn Away Case of Teacher Fired Over 'Political' Speech," June 30, 2025.
- RedState, "Force-Out of Chicago Teacher Over Two-Word Post in Support of ICE Highlights Public Education Hypocrisy," February 16, 2026.
