Homeland Security Secretary Criticizes Illinois Leaders
LOMBARD, Illinois – U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem criticized Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker during a news conference in the Chicago area on Friday. She accused them of hindering federal immigration law enforcement.
Noem, speaking in Lombard, pointed to the arrest of four individuals involved in serious crimes, the seizure of substantial amounts of cash from drug gangs, and the recovery of firearms taken off the streets by federal law enforcement agencies prior to her trip to Chicago.
Her primary message, though, was aimed at Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson, urging them to do more to ensure the safety of Illinois residents. She stated:
I’m here today because the elected leaders in Illinois are ignoring the law. They are obstructing the effort to rid our streets of dangerous criminals. They protect individuals who have committed serious crimes such as murder, rape, or money laundering.
This includes Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and others who seem to prioritize protecting these criminals over the safety of American citizens who have lived and raised families here for generations.
Continuing her criticism, Noem reiterated her concerns about the Democratic leadership in Illinois, especially after four crime offenders were taken off the streets.
“These individuals are still capable of committing crimes, harming people, and endangering children,” she noted.
The so-called sanctuary policies have tangible negative effects, not just on law enforcement, but also on families trying to make their communities safer. Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson need to clarify their priorities and take responsibility.
Noem mentioned that in the past seven months, ICE has issued 16,064 detention orders in Chicago, but local leaders have only acted on about eight percent, allowing many crime offenders to return to the city. She expressed:
It seems that politicians opposing these efforts want more crime in our streets. More drugs are being sacrificed, threatening children and families. This isn’t the mission of ICE. Our role is to protect people and hold criminals accountable.
She appealed to the media to support law enforcement instead of prioritizing the portrayal of criminals in their reporting. Wrapping up her comments, Noem emphasized the impact of dangerous offenders on victims’ lives. She urged the media:
Consider the families around you, the citizens in your neighborhoods, and what kind of community they envision. We will not apologize for protecting Americans. We remain committed to arresting dangerous criminals, whether they are American or illegal immigrants. This is our mission at ICE, and I am proud to support it.
Noem accused Illinois’ elected officials of obstructing the removal of dangerous criminals from the community, claiming that they put the interests of undocumented criminals above those of American citizens.
During her remarks, a small group of protesters gathered outside, holding signs and chanting against her presence. Their messages labeled ICE agents as “fascists” and called for the abolition of ICE.
Police and federal officials worked to manage the protesters, ensuring the area remained orderly.
