Homeland Security Secretary Noem Praises Major ICE Arrests, Highlights Surge in Officer Assaults in Chicago Area

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Lombard, Illinois, to highlight recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations arresting noncitizen migrants charged with serious crimes, including child sexual assault and attempted murder. Noem criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for sanctuary policies that she says protect dangerous criminals and hinder ICE’s efforts, noting that Chicago has honored only 8% of ICE detainers despite 1,664 issued in seven months. She also reported a 1,000% increase in assaults against ICE officers, which she attributes to sanctuary city policies and hostile rhetoric. Noem emphasized ICE’s seizures of fentanyl, money, and weapons linked to illegal migrants and announced the expansion of immigration detention centers, including a new 1,000-bed facility in Indiana funded by President Trump’s recent legislation. Protesters outside the event voiced opposition to Noem’s remarks and policies. Local legislators, including Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García, challenged Noem’s claims, stating that many detained by ICE have no criminal record and criticizing the Trump administration's immigration enforcement quotas and policies.