Homeland Security Secretary of the United States, Kristi Noem, made a trip to Chicago where she outspokenly disapproved of the actions of Illinois administration, launching an attack on Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for their state legislature that hampers the ability to work with federal immigration agencies. She did this amidst increasing local commitment to challenging heavy-handed enforcement strategies. Nevertheless, firm disapproval from community organizations and local lawmakers followed Noem’s address, maintaining their resolve to continue ranting immigrant groups about their rights. They suggested that Noem’s primary aim was to inject more trepidation into society.
Mayor Johnson’s office significantly stressed that the ongoing fear-based campaign signifies a government that continually defies the Constitution, denies due process, and separates hardworking families that are vital to the community’s fabric. They have made it clear that these actions by the DHS under Secretary Noem are not examples of accountability but mass targeting and fear peddling, contradicting their attempts to make Chicago safe for everyone.
As Noem addressed the media at a Lombard field office, surrounded by a small congregation of protestors, she repeated the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda. Despite the actual number of arrests and deportations since President Trump assumed office being less than the stated goal, policies from the administration have criticized ‘sanctuary cities’ and its inability to cooperate with federal immigration agencies.
At the heart of this debate are state regulations that rule out formal collaboration among local law enforcement and federal deportation authorities, mandating that authorities seeking information or access carry warrants or court orders. Noem expressed her concern by highlighting the Illinois elected leaders’ deliberate ignorance of these laws, which she believes makes it harder for dangerous criminals to be removed.
Recently, a federal court judge in Chicago dismissed a challenge by the Trump administration aimed at state, city, and county policies, stating that the choice not to participate in federal immigration enforcement is protected under the 10th Amendment. The Mayor’s office responded to Noem’s premise by stating that they are law-abiding in Chicago, fighting crime and arresting criminals rather than acting as a means for mass deportations.
Governor Pritzker has consistently stood up for the TRUST Act, a sanctuary law, signed by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, even in front of a Republican hearing earlier this year. He reassured that they would not engage in any illegal practices or power mishaps while preserving law enforcement resources for battling crime.
According to Noem, more than 1,664 detainer requests were issued this year in Chicago by ICE, but only a mere 8% were honored. Requests for confirmation of these numbers have not been responded to by the city on time. City officials have reiterated in the past that they abide by the law when dealing with immigration-related requests.
Chicago’s immigrant sanctuary status, which has been in effect since Mayor Harold Washington’s executive order four decades ago, was revised when President Trump took office in 2017. The new focus is on ensuring immigrants, even those without legal permission, can contact law enforcement regarding crime without worrying about deportation, while preventing federal authorities from using local police as significant assets.
Secretary Noem pointed out instances where four individuals, accused of violent crimes, were apprehended by immigration authorities. An investigation revealed an increased intake of immigrants at two ICE processing centers in the Chicago area, with many of them not having a criminal record registered by ICE.
The same study observed that during the first 150 days of President Trump’s administration, ICE seized thrice the number of immigrants with criminal convictions compared to the last 150 days of President Biden’s term. Nevertheless, under Trump, the number of detained immigrants without criminal antecedence was nine times higher.
Noem also mentioned that ICE is actively recruiting more agents. Responding to a question about agents wearing disguises during enforcement activities, she noted that it typically permits agents to hide their identities for protection.
Last month, Aldermen Andre Vásquez and Mike Rodríguez proposed a resolution urging the Illinois General Assembly to prohibit federal agents from concealing their identities using masks. Vásquez issued the resolution to stop the fear in communities that unidentified agents could arrest their family members without legal orders and evade accountability.
Immigrant rights supporters continued their demonstrations outside the HSI office in the western suburb after the press briefing, chanting welcoming slogans for immigrants. Dulce Ortiz, executive director of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, stressed that Illinois communities persistently championed immigrant neighbors’ protections successfully upholding their welcoming policies against unsubstantiated federal litigation.
Other individuals stated their ongoing vigilance in the face of what they perceive as an escalating situation driven by the Trump administrations. Itedal Shalabi, executive director of Arab American Family Services, emphasized a community commitment to preparing for any further ICE and Trump escalation and educating all immigrants in their communities about their rights.
Following President Trump’s assumption of office, federal immigration authorities carried out substantial public operations in the Chicago area, creating a sense of anxiety and uncertainty which had rippling socioeconomic effects.
The enforcement strategies within these communities have not only created trepidation and uncertainty but have also led to external economic repercussions. These actions underscore the importance of maintaining the delicate balance between effective immigration enforcement and preserving the spirit and fabric of local communities.
The post US Homeland Security Secretary Noem Criticizes Illinois Immigration Policies appeared first on Real News Now.
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