Story perspectives

Gym Teacher Resigns Amid Controversy Over ICE Support

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

James Heidorn, a gym teacher from West Chicago, resigned after backlash over a two-word Facebook post supporting ICE.
Local activists and officials, including Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa and West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey, condemned the post.
Heidorn said the comment was not aimed at students and that his 14-year career was upended.
He received some community support, including a GoFundMe campaign, and plans to explore future opportunities in education.

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Story summary

James Heidorn, a gym teacher from West Chicago, resigned after backlash over a two-word Facebook post supporting ICE.
Local activists and officials, including Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa and West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey, condemned the post.
Heidorn said the comment was not aimed at students and that his 14-year career was upended.
He received some community support, including a GoFundMe campaign, and plans to explore future opportunities in education.