‘Devastating and surreal’: Chicago teacher speaks out after losing job over pro-ICE Facebook post

A veteran Chicago-area teacher has spoken out after resigning from his position over a Facebook post that read “GO ICE,” describing the fallout as “professionally and personally devastating and surreal.

”In his first public comments since stepping down from Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, Heidorn told Fox News Digital that the backlash over his two-word post has left him grappling with shock, grief and uncertainty about his future.“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model,” he told Fox News Digital. “To see it all upended over two simple words… felt like a severe blow to my career.”

‘Roller coaster of emotions’

Heidorn said the emotional toll has been heavy, describing “sleepless nights” and a deep sense of loss after abruptly leaving the classroom.“Emotionally, it’s been a roller coaster, shock, sadness, anger and frustration at how quickly things escalated,” he said. “The hardest part has been losing daily contact with my students and not getting to say a proper goodbye.”He stated that his comment was a personal expression of support for law enforcement and was not directed at students or families.

‘This is bigger than me’

Beyond his personal setback, Heidorn framed the controversy as part of a broader debate about free speech.“Most importantly, this is bigger than me: it’s about whether personal opinions expressed outside of work can cost someone their livelihood without due process,” he told Fox News Digital.He said teaching has defined his life and that he had even pursued a master’s degree in educational leadership to grow in the profession.

Now, he acknowledged, his future in education is uncertain.Despite the turmoil, Heidorn said he is trying to focus on his family and on support he has received from members of the community.Heidorn’s post came at a time when the nation was sharply divided over immigration enforcement, with widespread protests erupting across several US cities following the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. Those deaths sparked demonstrations calling for accountability and changes to how agencies like ICE operate.