DHS Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Chicago, Illinois officials of obstructing ICE deportation efforts

CHICAGO (WGN) — Harsh words from US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in west suburban Lombard on Friday as she accused Illinois’ governor and Chicago’s mayor of obstructing ICE agents amid the federal government’s deportation efforts.

Noem’s complaints drew strong rebuke from top Illinois officials and vocal protestors outside of the Aug. 8 press conference, letting the controversial Homeland Security secretary know that she was not welcome.

“Hecter Bonaparte is a 42-year-old illegal Mexican alien previously convicted of predatory criminal sexual abuse,” Noem said, detailing recent deportations in the Chicago area. 

Federal agents, Noem says, are requesting more than 1,600 detainers for violent criminals.

“Unfortunately, Chicago and its leadership have only honored 8% of those,” Noem said.

Traveling to Illinois to speak about the state’s deportation efforts, Noem told reporters in west suburban Lombard that state public officials and law enforcement are allegedly hampering ICE removal efforts, with sanctuary city policies that are, in her words, protecting criminals.

“We believe over a million people have gone home on their own,” Noem said. “They’re being obstructionists when it comes to getting dangerous criminals off the streets. That includes Gov. Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and others who have worked so hard to protect these dangerous criminals.”

The mayor’s office fired back in a written statement, saying, in part, “In Chicago, we follow the law. We don’t harbor criminals, we arrest them. But we will not be a tool for militarized mass deportations.”

Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton also criticized Noem’s expenditure of taxpayer dollars to belittle peaceful and hardworking people, stating, “I am disappointed that we, again, need to REDIRECT time, energy, and resources that should be focused on bettering the lives of Illinoisans to instead combat this administration’s unrelenting hatred and cruelty.”

Stratton scoffed at Noem’s contention that Homeland Security has 80,000 applicants to join ICE, as the Lt. Governor pointed to $50,000 signing bonuses to join a department that’s supposedly turning applicants away.