DHS Secretary Noem Denied Entry in Illinois Amid ICE Facility Tensions

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her team were denied access to the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois when they requested to use the restroom during a visit to an ICE processing facility that has been the site of prolonged protests. Noem criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and local officials for what she described as a refusal to cooperate with federal law enforcement, highlighting tensions amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations. Village officials responded that Noem's visit was unannounced and that Mayor Katrina Thompson, who was out of the building at the time, later met Noem at the ICE site to discuss removing an illegal fence. The incident occurred amid protests and clashes involving federal agents using pepper balls, tear gas, and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. Governor Pritzker accused Noem of infringing on rights and traumatizing families, while DHS spokespersons defended the need for federal law enforcement presence. The dispute underscores the broader conflict between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and local cooperation in Illinois.