Noem Targets Sanctuary City Officials in Push to Enforce Immigration Laws

At a press conference in Springfield, Illinois, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned sanctuary jurisdictions for impeding the enforcement of federal immigration law and highlighted personal stories from families affected by crimes involving undocumented immigrants. The event brought attention to cases in which American citizens were killed or harmed, and aimed to renew pressure on state and local officials who oppose federal immigration cooperation.

Secretary Noem criticized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other officials across the country for what she described as protecting lawbreakers. She emphasized that the federal government, under President Donald Trump’s administration, will continue to hold sanctuary jurisdictions accountable. Her remarks followed the April 28 signing of the “Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens Executive Order,” which mandates the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to identify and publicly list jurisdictions that obstruct immigration enforcement.

Several families known as “Angel Families” joined the event to share personal losses tied to illegal immigration or drug overdoses. Among them was Jim Walden, whose Marine son was killed in a motorcycle crash involving a twice-deported undocumented immigrant. Brian McCann described how his brother was killed in a hit-and-run in Chicago, with the suspect later disappearing after release on bond. Kathy Zander and Nancy Platania shared stories of their sons, both of whom died from fentanyl-related overdoses.

Secretary Noem also named officials in other states and cities whom she says have failed to cooperate with federal authorities. Those mentioned include governors and police leaders in New York, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Oregon, California, and Massachusetts. According to DHS, there are over 200 sanctuary jurisdictions currently operating in defiance of federal immigration directives. The department plans to continue using executive authority to pressure those regions to comply with national immigration policy.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a Department of Homeland Security press release.

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