Homeland Security Rejects Illinois Governor's Request, ICE Continues Halloween Enforcement in Chicago

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has rejected Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request to pause Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago over the Halloween weekend, stating that federal enforcement will continue in full force to protect public safety. Noem emphasized that arrests are focused on dangerous criminals and insisted that the operations aim to keep children safe from harm caused by illegal aliens. Despite Noem's assurances, local leaders and community members, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have criticized the federal presence as violent and dehumanizing, highlighting incidents involving tear gas and aggressive raids affecting residents, many of whom are U.S. citizens. Pritzker's letter called for a suspension of enforcement near homes, schools, and community events to allow families to celebrate Halloween without fear, condemning the use of tear gas on trick-or-treaters. The Department of Homeland Security accused Pritzker of spreading falsehoods about targeting sensitive locations and defended the necessity of their operations amid reported threats against officers. The ongoing tension reflects a deep divide between federal immigration enforcement policies under President Trump’s administration and local officials' concerns about community safety and civil rights.