DHS Secretary Noem Criticizes Illinois Sanctuary Policies Amid ICE Expansion Plans

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Chicago suburbs to criticize Illinois and Chicago officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, for their sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with ICE in enforcing immigration laws. Noem highlighted that ICE issued over 1,664 detainers in Chicago in seven months but received only an 8% response rate from local authorities, accusing these politicians of prioritizing undocumented immigrants, including criminals, over citizens' safety. Illinois officials defended their policies, arguing they protect immigrant communities and encourage crime victims and witnesses to come forward, while a federal judge upheld Illinois' right to enact these laws under the 10th Amendment. Noem also praised the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, citing a drop in border crossings and plans to expand detention capacity with new funding. Democrats in Illinois condemned Noem's visit and tactics as dehumanizing and illegal, while local protests challenged ICE’s actions. The dispute underscores the ongoing conflict between federal enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump and sanctuary jurisdictions resisting cooperation.