A staff member at a Chicago college has been fired and is now under federal investigation after being recorded at a downtown protest calling for the killing of federal immigration officers.
Moises Bernal Puentes, a former adult education manager at Wilbur Wright College, was captured on video during an October 18 “No Kings” demonstration in Grant Park shouting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “have to get shot and wiped out.”
🚨 IT'S OFFICIAL: "No Kings" leftist Moises Bernal who called on leftists to "grab a gun" and SH00T ICE agents has been FIRED from his job in the Chicago City Colleges system.
GOOD RIDDANCE! 👋pic.twitter.com/IjOLeePrmN
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 27, 2025
The event was organized by Hands Off Chicago and the Progressive Labor Party, a far-left group that describes itself as revolutionary and openly calls for the destruction of capitalism.
The video shows Puentes standing among other demonstrators and urging the crowd to “grab a gun” and “turn around the guns on this fascist system.” His remarks drew immediate backlash after being widely circulated online.
By Thursday, the City Colleges of Chicago confirmed that Puentes had been terminated.
“The individual is not employed by Wilbur Wright College or any affiliated colleges. Our college system does not tolerate violence nor incitement under any circumstances,” said Veronica Resa, spokesperson for the college network, in a statement to The Wright Times. She noted that staff can be immediately dismissed for “egregious conduct,” including harassment or violent threats.
The Department of Homeland Security said the incident has been referred to the Department of Justice for review.
“During the Chicago ‘No Kings’ rally, violent rioters called for the cold-blooded murder of ICE agents,” DHS said in a statement posted on X. “This rioter and his statements have been referred to the DOJ. There is no place in America for unlawful incitements of violence against ICE or CBP. To those who threaten our officers: we will find you, and justice will be served.”
The October 18 rally drew several thousand demonstrators who opposed President Donald Trump’s ongoing immigration enforcement actions. Officials said the event featured multiple individuals expressing open hostility toward federal law enforcement.
Another participant identified by local media as Lucy Martinez, a teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School, appeared on camera making a gun gesture toward her neck while joking about the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Chicago Public Schools later confirmed her employment and said her behavior “did not reflect the professionalism and respect we expect from staff.” The district said the matter “was addressed internally,” and she remains employed.
Federal authorities said threats and violent rhetoric targeting immigration officers have increased sharply amid recent enforcement operations. DHS officials reaffirmed that such acts are being tracked nationwide and will be prosecuted where applicable.
