Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Illinois on Friday to criticize Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, accusing them of obstructing efforts to remove criminal illegal immigrants from the streets.
Noem, speaking in a Chicago suburb, highlighted recent ICE arrests of a Mexican illegal immigrant convicted of predatory sexual criminal assault against a victim under 13, a Polish national convicted of attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery, and an illegal immigrant from Micronesia with three DUI convictions.
“These individuals would still be out on our streets today committing crimes and attacking people if Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson had their way. Their choice has been to release these criminals back on the streets,” Noem said.
“The debate over sanctuary policies has real consequences for law enforcement officers, families, and businesses trying to provide for their community,” she added.
Representatives for Pritzker and Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“I’m here today because the elected leaders in Illinois are ignoring the law and obstructing efforts to get dangerous criminals off the streets,” Noem said. “They prioritize dangerous criminals over the families in their communities.”
Noem also warned of an “unprecedented” threat level for ICE agents due to lies from Democrats.
“In just the last seven months, ICE has issued over 1,664 detainers in Chicago alone, a 106% increase over the previous administration,” Noem told reporters.
Unfortunately, she said, Chicago and its leadership have only honored 8% of those detainers.
