Homeland Security Sec. Noem Confronts Illinois Politicians Over Immigration Policies

During her tour of the Chicago region, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, fired shots at Illinois politicians, particularly Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. She criticized the state’s soft stance on policies that restrict local collaboration with federal immigration entities. This criticism, however, was swiftly met with backlash from community organizations and local politicians. They pledged ongoing efforts to inform immigrant demographics about their legal rights and argued that the secretary’s objective was merely to fan the fear flames.

The federal administration, under the guise of sowing fear and division, has consistently breached constitutional norms, withheld due process from individuals, and fractured families that contribute significantly to our community fabric, alleges Johnson’s office. The statement issued by the office further argues that the aim of Secretary Noem’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not genuine accountability, but rather intimidation and unfair targeting, which detracts local efforts to establish an atmosphere of safety within the city.

Close to thirty-six individuals staged a protest as Noem delivered her press talk at a Lombard field office. There, she echoed familiar views on immigration enforcement – a top priority for President Donald Trump’s administration, which began with robust commitments to reach unprecedented levels of arrests and deportations. Despite the spike in detentions and deportations since Trump’s inauguration, the figures have not met the ambitious targets, leading to the administration voicing discontent towards so-called ‘sanctuary cities’.

Local and state governance have enacted laws that prohibit the cooperation of local law enforcement with federal deportation agencies, mandating that these authorities must possess warrants or court orders in order to solicit information or access. Arguing against these laws, Secretary Noem stated, ‘I’m here today because the elected leaders in this state of Illinois are ignoring the law. In fact, they are being obstructionists when it comes to getting dangerous criminals off their streets.’

Last month, a federal judge in Chicago dismissed a challenge from the Trump administration to state, city and county policies. The judge ruled that their decision not to participate in federal immigration enforcement is safeguarded under the 10th Amendment. A spokesperson for Johnson countered Noem’s accusations in a statement, asserting that the city of Chicago is in full compliance with the law. The spokesperson continued, ‘We don’t harbor criminals, we arrest them. Yet, we refuse to serve as instruments for exaggerated, militarized mass deportations.’

Governor Pritzker staunchly supports the ‘sanctuary’ law, the TRUST Act, enacted by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in 2017. He fiercely defended it at a Republican-driven congressional hearing earlier in the year. He vowed not to involve Illinois in any unlawful conduct or misuse of power, and will instead invest local and state law enforcement resources in crime fighting. Pritzker committed to maintaining the rule of law whenever it comes under threat.

To this point in the year, ICE has declared over 1,664 detainer requests in Chicago, according to Noem, with only 8% honored by local authorities. However, requests to authenticate this figure by the city were unanswered. Local officials consistently state that they adhere to the law when encountering immigration-related requests.

Chicago had received its sanctuary designation four decades ago when Mayor Harold Washington issued an executive order. However, it underwent modification after Donald Trump’s presidential ascension in 2017. The city’s objective is to safeguard immigrants without legal permission in the country, enabling them to report crimes without deportation fear, while simultaneously preventing federal agencies from leveraging local police as key resources.

The Secretary of Homeland Security pointed to four individuals, who were purportedly arrested by immigration enforcement for having convictions for violent offenses on their records. However, an analysis of data shows an increase in the number of initial detainees at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers in the Chicago region. Further scrutiny indicates that under President Trump, ICE has detained a significantly higher number of immigrants without any documented criminal history than during the last 150 days of President Joe Biden’s administration.

In response to an inquiry regarding agents using masks during operations, Secretary Noem stated that agents are permitted to do so in order to veil their identities. Recently, however, Chicago Alderman Andre Vásquez and Mike Rodríguez introduced a resolution to prevent federal agents from hiding their identities using masks. Vásquez revealed that the resolution was brought forth ‘because communities should not have to live in fear that a masked agent can kidnap their loved ones at any time without a warrant, and without any accountability.’

Long after the termination of the news briefing, immigration rights proponents and allies remained outside the HSI office situated in a western suburb, chanting in unison, ‘Immigrants are welcome here.’ Dulce Ortiz, executive director of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights board president, declared that Illinois communities have consistently demanded protection for immigrant neighbors and that the state has been victorious in maintaining welcoming laws against unjust federal lawsuits.

Some critics are keeping watchful eyes on what they perceive to be continuous intensification by the Trump administration. Itedal Shalabi, executive director of Arab American Family Services, stated, ‘We are committed to making sure our communities are ready for the next escalation from ICE and Trump while educating all immigrants in our communities of their rights, including green card holders, temporary visa recipients, and families with mixed statuses.’

Highly public immigration raids were conducted in the Chicago region soon after President Trump assumed office. The marked increase in local enforcement activities has given rise to an atmosphere of dread, uncertainty, along with the unanticipated ripple effects on the economy.