Criticism of Illinois Governor over Sanctuary Policy
Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem has taken aim at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for his backing of the Sanctuary Act. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving an illegal immigrant accused of murder. The case centers on the death of 24-year-old Emma Schafer, who was allegedly attacked in July 2023 by Gabriel P. Calixto, a suspect who then fled to Mexico.
Calixto faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and domestic battery associated with Schafer’s death. Noem expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their efforts in apprehending him, stating, “A vicious, illegal alien murderer who has been avoiding justice for two years has been arrested. We will continue to work with federal authorities on extradition.”
Additionally, Noem criticized Pritzker’s resistance to federal intervention in Chicago, particularly regarding crime, which has long been a pressing issue in the city. She pointed out that, for over a decade, Chicago has recorded more murders than any other city in the U.S. “Last year, they had three times as many murders as Los Angeles and five times more than New York City,” she noted.
Noem, who once served as South Dakota’s governor, suggested Pritzker should prioritize the safety of his constituents over political posturing, implying that his actions appear driven by ego rather than genuine concern. “If he’s committed one murder in Chicago, he should reach out to President Trump for ideas on what can be done,” she said.
She further criticized the local authorities, claiming they don’t respect detainees and fail to cooperate fully with federal entities. This criticism follows a pattern where the federal government aims to reduce violent crime in places like Chicago by possibly deploying the Illinois State Guard.
Interestingly, in a somewhat similar situation, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C. had initially resisted federal oversight but later acknowledged the effectiveness of such measures in lowering crime rates there. The notable reduction included over 1,500 arrests and the confiscation of illegal firearms.
