Homeland Secretary Noem Criticizes Illinois ‘Sanctuary Cities’
During a trip to the region encompassing Chicago, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem launched a verbal assault on Illinois lawmakers, notably Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. The criticism revolved around state initiatives which inhibit local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, despite local promises to amplify efforts to combat extreme handling tactics. Scrutiny from local politicians and community organizations was swift and severe in response to Noem’s message. These groups held firm in their commitment to inform immigrant populations about their rights, suggesting that the secretary’s motivation was based on inciting additional fear.
It was alleged by Noem’s detractors, especially from Johnson’s office, that her campaign of trepidation and distinction had repeatedly resulted in constitutional violations, such as denial of due process and the separation of families who contribute significantly to local communities. Noem’s DHS activities, it was suggested, were not about attaining accountability but more about mass surveillance, promoting fear, and undermining efforts to ensure the Chicago residents’ safety.
When Noem held a press briefing at a Lombard field office as nearby, a group of approximately thirty people staged a protest. The Homeland Security Secretary discussed the priorities she had established, on behalf of President Donald Trump, in enforcing immigration laws. Despite an increase in both arrests and deportations since Trump assumed office, the results haven’t met the stated objectives. This has resulted in shared frustrations within the administration regarding so-called ‘sanctuary cities’.
These ‘sanctuary cities’ include those where state and local legislation prohibits official collaboration between local police forces and federal deportation agents, unless supported by warrants or court orders. Noem used the occasion to express her belief that Illinois’s elected officials were flouting the law, impeding the elimination of dangerous criminals from their streets.
A Federal judge in Chicago, only a month prior, rejected a challenge by the Trump administration against state, city, and county policies. The judge upheld the rights of these jurisdictions to opt out of collaborating in federal immigration enforcement, as protected by the 10th Amendment. In response, a representative from Johnson’s office contested Noem’s accusation, statting, ‘In Chicago, we respect the law’, and emphasizing the city does not shelter criminals but rather arrests them.
The representative further clarified they do not support ‘militarized mass deportations’. Governor Pritzker has consistently endorsed the ‘sanctuary’ legislation referred to as the TRUST Act, that was signed into law by former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner back in 2017. Pritzker made it clear that any violations of the law or abuses of power would not be tolerated and that the focus of state and local law enforcement resources will remain trained on combating delinquency.
Moving forward to the current year, Noem relayed the fact that ICE has forwarded more than 1,664 detainer requests to Chicago, which has seen 8% return in compliance. Attempts to verify these figures from the city were unfortunately not met with a response prior to publication. However, it has been previously stated by local officials that they adhere to the law with respect to immigration-related requests.
The ‘sanctuary’ status of Chicago has been in place since Mayor Harold Washington issued the designation through an executive order around forty years ago. The original policy was subsequently amended following the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017. The aim behind the revision was to assure immigrants without legal status, could report crimes without being apprehensive of deportation. Additionally, it limited the federation’s ability to utilize local police as an immigration resource.
Further in her press meeting, Noem noted that four individuals recently apprehended by immigration forces had been previously convicted of violent crimes. Data analysis of the situation showed a surge in the number of people initially detained at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing centers in the Chicago area. Many detainees lacked any criminal history recorded by ICE.
The data also indicated a comparison between the Trump administration and that of his predecessor, Joe Biden. During Trump’s first 150 administrative days, immigration agencies detained thrice the number of immigrants with criminal backgrounds, as compared to Biden’s last 150 days in office. Despite this, under Trump, detainees without any known criminal convictions were nine-fold.
Neglecting to address the aforementioned data, Noem instead focused on plans to hire more ICE agents and acknowledged that agents were permitted to don masks during enforcement operations for identity protection. However, such practices have recently come under scrutiny from Chicago Aldermen Andre Vásquez and Mike Rodríguez, who have urged the Illinois General Assembly to prohibit federal agents from concealing their identities.
In the aftermath of the press brief, immigration rights activists, along with their associates, continued their demonstrations outside the HSI office located in the western suburb. They were heard loudly proclaiming, ‘Immigrants are welcome here’. Dulce Ortiz, Executive Director of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and President of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights board expressed satisfaction that local immigrant-friendly laws were able to withstand baseless federal legal challenges.
Other activists, such as Itedal Shalabi, Executive Director of Arab American Family Services, noted their commitment to preparing communities for potential ICE and Trump escalations and to inform all immigrants about their rights. While these concerns have heightened since the start of the Trump administration, local communities remain optimistic and resistant to the seemingly alarming emphasis on immigration regulation.