Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem is visiting Illinois this week, a trip drawing a pointed response from the office of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The visit centers on Illinois' immigration policies, which Noem and others in the Trump Administration contend enable crime.
Noem is expected to address what her office describes as the consequences of "sanctuary" policies. Proponents of these policies argue they foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Opponents claim they hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities and compromise public safety.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office issued a statement ahead of Noem's arrival, framing her visit with sarcastic commentary. The statement listed planned stops for Noem and included remarks about her record and the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement.
The governor's office also referenced a past controversy involving Noem, advising pet owners to ensure animals were safe during her visit. This appeared to be a reference to an anecdote in Noem's memoir where she described killing a dog.
State officials maintain Illinois law enforcement cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Pritzker's office highlighted the Illinois TRUST Act permits local law enforcement to detain and transfer individuals with federal criminal warrants, including violent criminals without documentation, while safeguarding the rights of state residents.
The trip follows Pritzker agreeing to appear before a Congressional committee evaluating the impact of sanctuary policies. The hearing is set for June.
Rep. Mary Miller called upon Illinois sheriffs to disregard state sanctuary policies and collaborate with ICE. She stated such actions were necessary before additional crime occurred.
Legal analysis regarding sanctuary policies differs. The American Immigration Council notes the Supreme Court has stated immigration enforcement is solely a federal duty. They also point to the Tenth Amendment as preventing the government from requiring local law enforcement to participate in immigration enforcement.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias also weighed in, suggesting Noem should focus on the upcoming REAL ID deadline, which falls under her department's purview.
Pritzker's office stated, "The State of Illinois has been clear: violent criminals without documentation have no place in our state or our country."
