U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Criticizes Illinois Over Immigration Policy

During a recent visit to Illinois, Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the U.S. Homeland Security, shared strong criticisms of political leaders in the region. This included unwelcoming remarks towards Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson regarding their state regulations that limit the association between local bodies and federal entities on immigration procedures. The response from local communities and politicians was a swift and resounding condemnation, with a pledge to further educate immigrant communities about their rights. They argued that these efforts by the secretary were primarily targeted at creating terror and division in society.

The office of Mayor Johnson countered the secretary’s attack stating that the actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led by Noem, were not compliance-friendly but rather fueled mass suspicion, panic and eroded their work to make all locals feel secure in the city. The DHS campaign, they said, violated the Constitution repeatedly, denied people the right to a fair trial, and disintegrated hard-working families crucial for the community structure.

As Secretary Noem communicated her stance to the media in Lombard, protests ensued outside. The secretary’s remarks reiterated the immigration enforcement measures promised by President Donald Trump during his reign, which included the move towards recordsetting arrests and deportations. While both arrests and deportations have seen an uptick under President Trump’s administration, the numbers haven’t met the administration’s ambitious goals, leading to their dissatisfaction with so-called ‘sanctuary cities.’

Explicating on the complexities of ‘sanctuary cities,’ these are areas where state and local laws forbid official cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It necessitates warrants or court orders for authorities seeking access to information. Secretary Noem used this platform to accuse Illinois politicians of flouting the law. She alleged them to be an obstruction in the process of removing dangerous criminals from the streets.

In an interesting turn of events, a federal judge in Chicago last month dismissed a challenge from the Trump administration to state, county, and city policies. The ruling established that the right to not participate in federal immigration enforcement is safeguarded by the 10th Amendment. A representative for Mayor Johnson countered the secretary’s accusations, asserting that Chicago abides by the law and does not shield criminals; instead, they are detained but would not be used for large-scale militarized deportations.

Governor Pritzker has consistently defended the ‘sanctuary’ law or the TRUST Act, introduced and signed into law by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017, during various platforms including a Republican-led congressional hearing. He emphasized that the state would not participate in any legal violations or misuse of power, and law enforcement resources would continue to be centered on crime fighting.

Sharing some alarming data, Secretary Noem stated that ICE has generated over 1,664 detention requests in Chicago this year, out of which a mere 8% were honored. While the city did not confirm this number within the stipulated time, local officials have typically maintained that they follow the law concerning immigration-related requests.

Chicago’s designation as a sanctuary city has been in place since Mayor Harold Washington’s executive order 40 years ago, but there have been adjustments post-2017 when President Trump assumed office. Currently, the city aims to ensure that undocumented immigrants can report crimes without fear of deportation, thereby denying federal authorities the utilization of local police as a key resource.

To buttress her point, Secretary Noem pointed out four instances of individuals recently detained by immigration authorities after being convicted of violent felonies. However, a data analysis showed an increase in detentions at two Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facilities in the Chicago area, with many detainees not having any criminal track record as per ICE. The analysis detailed that during Trump’s initial 150 days in office, ICE detained triple the number of immigrants with criminal records than during President Joe Biden’s last 150 days. Interestingly, the number of immigrants detained without any criminal records stood nine times higher under the Trump administration.

The secretary further revealed that there is an ongoing effort to recruit more ICE agents. In response to a query about agents concealing their identities during enforcement operations, Noem stated that they are generally allowed to do so for their protection.

In June, Ald. Andre Vásquez and Ald. Mike Rodríguez had introduced a resolution requesting the Illinois General Assembly to ban federal agents from hiding their identities by wearing masks. Vásquez initiated this resolution citing that communities should not live in fear of anonymous agents with the power to arrest their family members without warrants and without any subsequent accountability.

After the press conference wrapped, advocates for immigrant rights and their supporters lingered outside the HSI office situated in the western suburbs, resounding the mantra, ‘Immigrants are welcome here.’ As noted by Dulce Ortiz, the executive director of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center and board president of Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Illinois communities have been demanding protection for immigrant neighbors. They stand successful in safeguarding their immigrant-friendly laws against needless federal judgements.

Other activists like Itedal Shalabi, the executive director of Arab American Family Services, expressed commitment in preparing communities for any further action from ICE and the Trump administration. They are also focused on educating all immigrants, including temporary visa holders and mixed-status families, of their rights. Needless to say, the enforcement by federal immigration authorities, especially post President Trump’s assumption of office, has generated an environment of fear, uncertainty, and notable economic implications.