SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference outside the Illinois Governor's Mansion in Springfield.
State lawmakers as well as local organizations have issued statements regarding Noem's visit.
Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:
“Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law.
"The Trump Administration is violating the United States Constitution, denying people due process, and disappearing law-abiding neighbors – including children who are U.S. citizens. Yet, they are taking no real action to promote public safety and deport violent criminals within the clear and defined legal process.
"Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter. Illinois doesn’t need to abuse power or ignore the Constitution to keep our people safe. Like the millions of Americans asking for sensible, humane immigration reform, I encourage the Secretary to spend less time performing for Fox News and more time protecting the Homeland.
"Secretary Noem must have not realized she was visiting during Latino Unity Day where we come together celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Today, Secretary Noem was met by a force stronger than her: the people of Illinois.
"Illinoisans are sending a clear message to Trump’s lackeys that we will not let you mess with us without a resistance.”
Noem spoke near the home where community activist Emma Shafer was stabbed to death in 2023. Noem said Shafer wouldn't have died if her accused murderer had been deported sooner.
Shafer's family, Carthy Schwartz and John M. Shafer, released the following statement imploring Noem to stop using Shafer as a political talking point:
"My daughter Emma radiated love and light everywhere she went and for all people. Even as a child, she was a friend to everyone and someone who spoke up for the less fortunate. She dedicated her life - her career and her free time - to causes of social justice and equity. That was just who she was.
"To see her used by Secretary Noem and others to advance a cruel and heartless political agenda is not just deeply painful to us - it is an insult to her memory. Noem's words are in direct conflict with who Emma was as a person. Emma built up community and stood with all members, including immigrants.
"No parent should have to experience the loss of a child. But every time her name is brought into these conversations - conversations she would have wanted nothing to do with - we have to relive the pain of her death.
"Secretary Noem, as a mother still grieving the loss of a child, I beg you to stop. This is not who she was. This is not helping us. Her memory should live in all the people she touched and the causes that she fought for. And I ask all of you to remember Emma as she was. And to live your life as she did: with courageous empathy and love for all."
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement:
“Secretary Noem’s visit to Springfield was nothing more than political theater—something she’s all too familiar with. Of course, I believe that anyone who commits violent crimes should be held accountable. Unfortunately, today’s visit does nothing to further that cause or make us safer. The secretary should focus on doing her job and upholding the rule of law, rather than holding unnecessary press conferences.
“What she has done is create a distraction—a distraction from the Trump Administration’s failed policies that are driving up costs for seniors, starting trade wars, and threatening to strip away health care and food assistance from our rural communities. The American people deserve real leadership, not empty gestures.”
Deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Veronica Castro gave this statement:
“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because that is what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”
State Senator Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) issued the following statement:
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield spotlighted what Illinoisans already know: Governor Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies are reckless, dangerous, and putting lives at risk. While he brags about making Illinois the 'most welcoming state,' he ignores the true cost — violence, rape, and murder. My district's families are paying the price because he's failing to keep our communities safe. This crisis isn’t just at the border — it’s right here, all over Illinois. Protecting criminals while shutting out federal authorities isn’t leadership — it’s crazy.”
State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) released this statement:
“I’ve lived in Illinois my whole life and have been grateful to call the Champaign-Urbana community my home. We have had so many bright young people raised here in Central Illinois that I have had the absolute privilege of not only knowing, but learning from, and working alongside.
“One of these bright, young people was Emma Shafer. Emma was a changemaker who poured her heart into environmental justice up until the very end of her life, which was violently taken from her. Her photo still hangs just two blocks from here, outside the Illinois Environmental Council’s office on Capitol Avenue.
“I stand here today deeply disturbed by Secretary Noem’s reckless and exploitative decision to invoke Emma’s tragic story without the consent or even knowledge of her family, friends, or the countless others touched by Emma’s presence.
“To use a victim of domestic violence — a victim who is no longer here to speak for herself — as a prop for a political display is disgraceful. It is a betrayal of everything Emma believed in.
“And never mind the fact that our federal leaders should be focused on upholding our Constitution — not flying across the country to cosplay as the face of law enforcement. It’s embarrassing enough to witness as an elected official.
“The Trump Administration and its allies habitually weaponize women’s trauma while doing nothing to protect them. Let me be clear, Ms. Noem, Emma’s legacy belongs to her community and those who loved her. Definitely not those desperate to score political points off her pain. How dare you use our lived experiences and Emma’s fate as a headline grab.
“I’m offended. I’m disturbed. And I’m heartbroken for Emma’s family and friends who had to watch their angel be used for political bait.
“Secretary Noem, you are not wanted here in Illinois. You are not respected here in Illinois. Go back to Washington, dust off your desk, and get to work. Emma deserves dignity. Not this.”
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