SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - On Wednesday in Springfield, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will hold a press conference outside the mansion of Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Her office has stated that she will highlight Illinois' sanctuary policies and discuss immigration in the state.
The governor's office has responded somewhat sarcastically, releasing its own itinerary for Noem's visit that includes critical comments about controversies involving the secretary.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a statement Tuesday night stating he will be holding a press conference to criticize Noem’s visit to Springfield on the day that REAL ID enforcement begins.
“For months, Secretary Noem has been calling the May 7 date a ‘deadline,’ implying that Americans must have a ‘REAL ID’ or they cannot board any U.S.-based flights without a valid passport, which has sent people scrambling to get one ahead of tomorrow,” Giannoulias said. “For the past several months, this has resulted in long lines, frustration and – in many cases – pure panic among residents.”
Giannoulias plans to address the press immediately following Noem's conference across the street from the Governor’s Mansion.
Giannoulias stated, “Instead of flying across the country to perform campaign-style political stunts designed to traumatize people and promote herself, she should do her damn job!”
WAND will stream the conference tomorrow at 10 a.m.
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