SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem paid a visit to Springfield on Wednesday to spotlight Governor JB Pritzker's sanctuary state policies.
Protesters gathered outside the Governor's Mansion ahead of Sec. Noem's planned speech. However, throughout the morning, she changed locations and did not appear at the mansion.
Many in the large crowd held signs and voiced their frustrations to WAND News regarding Noem's visit.
"She doesn't speak for the state, and she doesn't speak for our community," said Deborah Anthony.
Noem’s visit coincided with Illinois Latino Unity Day. Illinois’ top Democrats and supporters of the state’s immigration policies rallied outside the capitol building after she left.
"The federal government can stage political stunts in our state all it wants," said Linda Xóchitl Tortolero of the Latino Policy Forum. "But it won't change who we are in Illinois. Being a welcoming state is not a sound bite. It's a deeply held, bipartisan value rooted in what truly keeps people safe and strengthens our economy."
Tortolero told the crowd that Illinois has maintained its sanctuary status for more than 40 years. In 2017, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner signed the Trust Act, reinforcing the state’s commitment to prioritizing public safety over immigration enforcement.
"Our sanctuary policies fully comply with federal law and do not prevent immigration authorities from operating in this state," she added. "Weaponizing isolated tragedies into blanket judgments against entire communities is not leadership—it's scapegoating."
Lawmakers criticized what they called a “dangerous and misleading narrative” from Secretary Noem.
"What I will tell you is the cruelty and hatred coming out of Trump’s administration and people like Kristi Noem is heartbreaking for so many people around the country," said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
Despite the political firestorm, supporters say Illinois remains committed to being a safe, inclusive state for all residents.
"We are proud of this diverse state that we live in. Diversity is our strength, and our power comes from being united in our fight to make sure Illinois continues to be a welcoming state," said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
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