Teacher FIRED Over Two Words on Facebook

A fourteen-year veteran teacher lost his career over two words posted on his personal Facebook account, raising urgent questions about whether educators can support law enforcement without facing professional ruin.

Story Snapshot

James Heidorn resigned from Gary Elementary School after posting “GO ICE” on his personal Facebook page in response to a news story about local police cooperation with immigration enforcement
The West Chicago District 33 community, where 81% of students are Hispanic, erupted in protests, petitions, and walkouts demanding his removal over concerns about student safety and trauma
School board accepted his resignation February 5, 2026, providing salary and benefits through the school year plus a neutral reference, but no specific policy violation was ever publicly detailed
The case exposes a troubling precedent for teacher speech rights, particularly for conservative voices in politically diverse districts where personal opinions on law enforcement can trigger career-ending consequences

Two Words That Ended a Career

James Heidorn spent fourteen years teaching physical education at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, building relationships with students and serving his community. His career collapsed after he typed “GO ICE” on his personal Facebook page responding to a local news article about police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The post, discovered by district officials on January 22, triggered an immediate firestorm. Heidorn initially resigned that same day, then retracted his resignation hours later, only to be placed on administrative leave pending investigation. The damage was done.

Community Erupts Over Law Enforcement Support

West Chicago District 33 serves a predominantly Hispanic community where 81% of students identify as Hispanic according to the 2025 state report card. Recent ICE operations had detained parents in the area, creating trauma for children who then learned their trusted teacher publicly supported the agency responsible. Activists mobilized quickly, launching Change.org petitions, distributing flyers calling for boycotts, and organizing parent walkouts. Mayor Dan Bovey called the post “hurtful,” noting ICE raids had removed parents from the community, heightening sensitivities about teachers who act in loco parentis toward vulnerable students.

The Double Standard Nobody Addresses

During public comments at the school board meeting, community members raised pointed questions about viewpoint discrimination. If Heidorn faces consequences for supporting federal law enforcement, what happens to teachers who post anti-ICE sentiments? The district never answered. Timothy Lorman questioned whether employment now requires alignment with “popular opinion.” Corinne Ingrum warned that the controversy might actually attract more ICE attention to the community. These concerns expose the selective enforcement plaguing American institutions, where conservative viewpoints trigger investigations while progressive positions receive protection under the guise of social justice.

The school board and Superintendent Kristina Davis insisted the decision centered on minimizing disruption to learning, not politics. Board President Rita Balgeman emphasized this was “never about politics” but rather maintaining school operations amid community upheaval. Yet the district never specified which policy Heidorn violated. No evidence emerged that he brought his views into the classroom or treated students differently. The “disruption” stemmed entirely from activist organizing against his lawful, off-duty expression. This reasoning effectively grants veto power over teacher employment to whoever can generate the loudest outrage.

The Chilling Effect on Teacher Speech

Heidorn told Fox News Digital the experience was “professionally and personally devastating,” emphasizing he cares about his students deeply. He launched a GoFundMe as a “beloved teacher” while exploring new education roles. The separation agreement pays his salary and benefits through the school year and provides a neutral reference, but his career trajectory has been permanently altered. Districts nationwide will take note: supporting federal law enforcement agencies on personal social media, even with two words, can end your career if community activists mobilize effectively enough.

IF A TEACHER CAN BE FIRED FOR SUPPORTING ICE, THEN TEACHERS SHOULD BE FIRED FOR OPPOSING ICE. Chicago Area Teacher Forced to Resign for Supporting ICE Speaks Out https://t.co/sO5F1Qrduq

— ArmyMom224⛪️✝️🇺🇸🪖 (@ArmyMom224) February 16, 2026

The precedent set here threatens every educator who holds views outside the progressive mainstream. Teachers in diverse districts face an impossible standard where personal political expression, no matter how brief or off-duty, can be weaponized against them if it conflicts with activist narratives. The absence of any specific policy violation in this case makes the outcome even more troubling. School districts can apparently terminate employment based solely on community pressure, regardless of job performance, classroom conduct, or actual policy infractions. This transforms teaching into ideological conformity.