Families who have experienced loss due to crimes across the nation gathered to criticize sanctuary policies in Illinois and beyond during a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem on Wednesday.
Jim Walden, an Illinois resident, shared his painful story of losing his son Jimmy who was serving in the Marines at the time. “My son worked for the US Marines in Interfield. He worked for the National Security Agency. Jimmy was 21,” Walden recounted, visibly emotional.
“He was killed by a motorcycle driver who had been allowed to stay in Maryland despite knowing he was illegal for five years. In that time, he had been incarcerated five times and had a history of domestic violence while on probation,” Walden stated, frustration evident in his voice.
He went on to condemn Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, saying, “To see our governor on national television claiming he will protect these individuals is a gut punch for families like mine.” He urged Pritzker to uphold federal laws regardless of age, stating, “I’ll send them back. There’s a path to citizenship.”
Noem expressed her concerns, saying the press conference reflected President Trump’s directive to address the dangers posed by the policies of Illinois and its governor. She pointed out that this is an ongoing issue that impacts citizens negatively.
Trump recently ordered that federal funds be reconsidered for states that disregard laws like Pritzker’s, which she feels do not prioritize American citizens’ safety.
The venue held significance; Noem explained it was near where a young woman named Emma Schafer had been violently killed by an undocumented individual released into the U.S. by the current administration.
Meanwhile, Pritzker dismissed the event as a “promotion stunt” while critiquing the administration’s immigration approach. He emphasized that Illinois is committed to following the law, criticizing Trump and Noem for their tactics. “Illinois doesn’t have to violate the Constitution to ensure public safety,” he insisted.
