Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield, Illinois, today, sharply criticizing the state’s “sanctuary” immigration policies and Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership, while Illinois officials and demonstrators pushed back, calling her appearance a “publicity stunt”.
Standing near the site where community advocate Emma Shafer was killed in 2023, Noem held a press conference with “Angel Families”, relatives of people killed by undocumented immigrants.
Police have confirmed that Gabriel Calixto is wanted for Shafer’s murder and that the U.S. Marshals Service is actively assisting in the search. While Noem asserts that Illinois law prevents cooperation with ICE, Springfield Police have worked with federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, throughout the investigation.
The event drew dozens of protesters, including Emma Shafer’s mother, who was seen in tears at the demonstration opposing Noem’s use of her daughter’s story. Shafer, remembered as a beloved activist, was deeply involved in local social justice causes and immigrant advocacy. Many in the community expressed discomfort with her memory being used to advance political arguments on immigration.
“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.” – Cathy Schwartz and John M. Shafer
Noem accused Illinois of endangering citizens by limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, citing cases where individuals she described as “illegal criminals” committed violent crimes after being shielded by state policies.
The Illinois TRUST Act prohibits local and state law enforcement from detaining individuals solely for civil immigration violations or cooperating with ICE detainers, unless there is a federal criminal warrant. The law does not prevent federal immigration authorities from making arrests or deportations in Illinois.
Illinois officials, including Gov. Pritzker, maintain that violent criminal aliens should be deported and that state policies comply with federal law in cases involving criminal warrants. Federal immigration authorities (ICE) continue to arrest and deport noncitizens convicted of serious crimes in Illinois, including violent offenses.
Multiple studies using Texas Department of Public Safety data (the most detailed in the U.S.) show that undocumented immigrants have substantially lower crime rates than native-born U.S. citizens and legal immigrants across all major crime categories, including violent, property, and drug crimes.
For example, between 2012 and 2018, U.S.-born citizens in Texas were over twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5 times more likely for drug crimes, and over four times more likely for property crimes compared to undocumented immigrants. Undocumented immigrants have a homicide conviction rate 14% below that of native-born Americans, and a 41% lower total criminal conviction rate.
Governor Pritzker responded swiftly, denouncing Noem’s visit as a “Trump-Noem publicity stunt” and defending Illinois’ approach. “Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law,” Pritzker stated. “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.”
He emphasized Illinois’ commitment to “sensible, humane immigration reform”. Aside from the TRUST Act, Illinois has the Way Forward Act, VOICES Act, and allows undocumented immigrants to attend public universities at in-state tuition rates, use consular ID cards for identification, and access certain state services.
