Carlos Castillo, a former employee of a healthcare facility in Illinois, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial and national origin discrimination against his employer. The complaint was lodged on November 16, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Castillo’s attorney, Antonio L. Jeffrey. The defendant in this case is IH Fox Valley OPCO, LLC, which operates under the name Thrive of Fox Valley.
The lawsuit outlines a series of events that Castillo claims led to his constructive discharge from the company due to discriminatory practices based on his Hispanic race and El Salvadorian national origin. According to the complaint, Castillo began working as a Cuisine Care Director at Thrive of Fox Valley’s Aurora location on October 24, 2022. Despite meeting job expectations, he alleges that he faced harassment and a hostile work environment perpetuated by General Manager Tiana Ng and Vice President of Culture and Engagement Nicole Chalira.
Castillo’s troubles reportedly began when one of his cooks was reassigned to another facility in September 2024, leaving him short-staffed. Attempts to address staffing shortages were met with resistance from management. For instance, after interviewing a potential new cook on October 24, 2024, Castillo discovered that the candidate was being considered for another position without his knowledge. Additionally, when another staff member went on medical leave at the end of October 2024, Castillo found himself further understaffed.
Compounding these issues were accusations from management regarding overtime hours accrued during this period. Despite explaining the necessity due to understaffing and medical leaves within his team, Castillo received warnings and write-ups for exceeding labor budgets—a treatment he argues was not applied equally to non-Hispanic employees in similar situations.
On November 10, 2024, Castillo discovered an online job posting for his own position while still employed there—a clear indication that management intended to replace him. This revelation came amidst ongoing pressure from management to adhere to unrealistic scheduling demands that left him performing multiple roles simultaneously.
Faced with what he describes as intolerable working conditions rooted in discriminatory practices against him because of his race and national origin—practices not experienced by White colleagues—Castillo resigned on November 15, 2024. He contends that this resignation was effectively forced upon him due to an untenable work environment orchestrated by Thrive’s management.
In seeking justice through the court system under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C §2000e), Castillo requests several forms of relief: declaratory judgment affirming violations by Thrive; injunctive relief preventing future violations; compensation for lost wages including back pay and front pay; damages for emotional distress; attorney fees; and any other appropriate remedies deemed just by the court.
Representing Carlos Castillo is Attorney Antonio L. Jeffrey from Jeffrey Law Office LLC located in Oak Brook Illinois. The case has been assigned Case No: 25-cv-14035 with proceedings set before Judge [Name] (if available).
Source: 125cv14035_Carlos_Castillo_v_IH_FOX_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
