SPRINGFIELD, IL — A sharp dispute erupted Thursday between U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over federal immigration enforcement, as Pritzker accused federal agents of targeting minority communities while Noem defended the arrests as vital to public safety, according to The Center Square.
Pritzker said federal officers were “bombarding” Chicago-area neighborhoods with “tear gas” and “masked men in unmarked vehicles.” He urged Noem, Acting ICE Director Daniel Lyons, and Border Patrol Commissioner Matthew Scott to suspend operations near homes, schools, hospitals, and parks during Halloween weekend.
Noem rejected the request, calling it “shameful.” Speaking in Gary, Indiana, she said, “We will not pause any work that keeps communities safe,” pointing to recent ICE arrests of “pedophiles, rapists, and gang members” under Operation Midway Blitz, which has detained over 3,000 undocumented offenders since September.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun voiced support for Noem, saying his state police are partnering with federal agents to “keep highways safe.”
Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers advanced House Bill 1312, expanding sanctuary protections and banning civil arrests at hospitals, courthouses, schools, and daycares. Senate President Don Harmon said the bill would allow lawsuits for civil rights violations during immigration actions, though police groups strongly opposed the measure.
The bill passed 40–18 and awaits Pritzker’s signature. Noem warned the legislation could hinder coordination between state and federal law enforcement.
Sources:
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