A longtime Chicago-area gym teacher says he was forced out of his job after posting a two-word message backing federal immigration enforcement, calling the fallout “devastating and surreal.”
James Heidorn, a veteran physical education instructor at Gary Elementary School in West Chicago, drew backlash after writing “GO ICE” on Facebook last month. The comment came in response to a news story about local police cooperating with immigration authorities.
“This process has been professionally and personally devastating and surreal,” Heidorn told Fox News Digital on Sunday.
“I’ve spent 14 years building my career, pouring my heart into teaching kids, building relationships and being a positive role model,” he said.
“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 post ignited controversy in the heavily Hispanic school district. Heidorn was placed on leave and summoned to a meeting with human resources on Jan. 22.
He briefly resigned, then withdrew that resignation later the same day. He planned to return to school the following week while the investigation continued.
Community criticism, however, intensified.
State Sen. Karina Villa condemned the Facebook message as “disturbing,” saying she stood in “unwavering solidarity” with families angered by the post. Villa had previously drawn attention after being recorded confronting ICE agents during an enforcement operation.
West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey also weighed in before the school inquiry concluded. In a Facebook video, Bovey described Heidorn’s post as “hurtful” and “offensive” to many residents.
“The issue is we have trusted adults who are the ones that care for those kids when they can’t be with their mom and their dad,” Bovey said. “So to have someone cavalierly rooting on — as if it’s a football game or something, yeah go — events which have traumatized these children… that is the issue,” he said.
Bovey later organized a community “listening session,” with a Spanish translator present, where parents and residents criticized the teacher’s remarks. Some called the comment “cruel” and argued that “kids do not feel safe.”
Heidorn defended his actions, saying the post reflected a personal opinion and was not aimed at students or families.
“This started with a two-word comment on my personal Facebook page supporting law enforcement—nothing more,” Heidorn said. “It wasn’t directed at any student, family or school community.
“Second, I was placed on leave and faced intense pressure before any full investigation or fair process could play out, with this it led to my resignation.
“Third, I lost my career, my income and the chance to close out my time with my students properly—no farewell, no goodbyes.”
He said the most painful consequence was being cut off from students he had taught for more than a decade.
“Emotionally, it’s been a roller coaster that has me feeling a great deal of shock, loss and deep sadness over losing daily contact with my students,” Heidorn said.
“Feelings of anger and frustration at how quickly things escalated without real dialogue, and grief for not getting to say a proper goodbye to the kids I cared so much for,” he said. “I’ve had sleepless nights.
“But I’m trying to stay focused on my family and the support I’ve received from people who know the real me.”
