Noem: ICE Expanding in Chicago Despite Sanctuary Pushback, ‘We’re Doubling Down’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday that the Trump administration will open additional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across Chicago, directly challenging the city’s sanctuary status and escalating federal enforcement efforts.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Noem revealed she toured prospective ICE locations in Chicago last week. “We’re purchasing more buildings in Chicago to operate out of,” she said. “We’re not backing off—in fact, we’re doubling down. We’re going to be in more parts of Chicago in response to the people there.”
The announcement comes on the heels of a controversial executive order signed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson establishing “ICE Free Zones” throughout the city, in defiance of President Trump’s recent deployment of over 500 National Guard troops to help quell violent unrest and support federal immigration operations.
Noem emphasized that the city’s unrest won’t deter federal efforts. “What they’re trying to do with these riots and violence is distract us and keep us from going after those murderers and rapists that are out on the streets,” she said.
The enforcement surge is part of Operation Midway Blitz, a DHS-led initiative that has resulted in over 1,000 arrests in Illinois, including targeted actions in Chicago. Anti-ICE activists have increasingly confronted agents during operations, sometimes violently.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Border Patrol agents were “rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars” in Broadview, Illinois, over the weekend. One of the suspects, Marimar Martinez, was reportedly armed with a semi-automatic weapon, prompting agents to return fire. She had also allegedly posted online messages encouraging gang members to assault federal agents.
Adding to the threat, Chief Gregory Bovino, Commander at Large for U.S. Border Patrol in the region, has reportedly been targeted with a $10,000 bounty allegedly placed by a Latin Kings gang leader.
“It’s a war zone out there,” Bovino told Fox News’ Sean Hannity. “That’s something out of a third-world country. Is this America?”
In a dramatic move, the Trump administration deployed roughly 500 troops—300 from the Illinois National Guard and 200 from Texas—to restore order and reinforce DHS operations in the city.
The State of Illinois has since filed a lawsuit against the administration, calling the federal troop deployment an “invasion.”
But Secretary Noem dismissed the backlash, stating that the administration will not be intimidated by threats or political resistance. “The rule of law is returning to Chicago, whether local leaders want it or not,” she said.