January 1, Homeland Security Hits Illinois Over Migrant Crime

Wyatt’s Take

• Homeland Security blasts Illinois leaders for crime surge tied to migrant policies.
• ICE says most migrants arrested had pending charges or convictions.
• Chicago honored barely any ICE requests to detain these suspects.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Illinois leaders for putting sanctuary policies above the safety of Americans. She said recent arrests by ICE keep dangerous individuals off Illinois streets, something Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson oppose.

Noem pointed out that 70% of migrants arrested by ICE in the past seven months had criminal charges or convictions, and the rest had final orders to be deported. She accused Pritzker and Johnson of protecting criminals instead of citizens.

“These individuals would still be on the streets if Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson had their way,” Noem said.

She said Illinois regularly refuses to help ICE round up released inmates, ignoring most federal detainer requests. In Chicago, only 8% of 1,664 ICE detainers from the past seven months were honored.

There’s been a dramatic rise in assaults against ICE officers, which Noem blames on state and city policies that prioritize criminal migrants and disrespect law enforcement. To protect themselves, she said, ICE agents sometimes wear masks when doing their jobs.

“But it’s in large part due to the pro-sanctuary state and city’s policies and the reckless language of elected bureaucrats that are reckless with their lives and endangering their families,” Noem said.

Noem displayed seized fentanyl and guns as proof that ICE is removing threats. She said, “We have 20 kilograms of fentanyl that’s in front of me on this table. That’s enough to kill ten-million people. Here out of this office, this was interdicted just days ago here in Illinois.”

Her visit to Lombard follows a trip to a Springfield DHS center. Noem also highlighted new ICE hiring thanks to resources from President Trump, stating more officers are getting trained nationwide.

Noem concluded with a call for Illinois to support law enforcement and put Americans ahead of criminals. “We will continue to defend the homeland,” Noem said.

Illinois Democrat Rep. Sean Casten pushed back, attacking Noem’s record and motives.

“Kristi Noem’s racism and xenophobia have no place in Illinois’ 6th Congressional District. Her failures at the Department of Homeland Security harm American families and will have lasting, negative ripple effects on the American economy. The only reason she has her job is because she is so doggone terrified of anyone who does not look like her that she will eagerly forsake the Constitution anytime Donald Trump asks,” Casten stated.

The Justice Department’s legal challenge to Illinois sanctuary policies was recently dismissed, but federal officials may refile.

Don’t let Washington ignore America’s heartland. Stay informed to keep your family safe.

Wyatt Matters

Middle Americans want safety and common sense from leaders, not politics that put communities at risk. Putting families and lawful citizens first reflects values built on fairness and accountability.

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