Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has rejected a request from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to suspend immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago area during this weekend’s Halloween celebrations.
“We’re absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe,” Noem said at a news conference in Gary, Indiana, on Thursday.
“The fact that Gov. Pritzker is asking for that is shameful and, I think, unfortunate that he doesn’t recognize how important the work is that we do to make sure we’re bringing criminals to justice and getting them off our streets, especially when we’re going to send all of our kiddos out on the streets and going to events and enjoying the holiday season.”
Why It Matters
Tensions between Illinois officials and federal authorities have risen amid a recent wave of immigration raids in the Chicago area. Border Patrol agents disrupted a family Halloween parade, firing tear gas, in Old Irving Park last weekend, residents said. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said that agents "had to deploy crowd control measures."
What To Know
In a letter on Wednesday, Pritzker asked Noem to "suspend enforcement operations ... where Halloween celebrations are taking place" between Friday and Sunday, Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“Illinois families deserve to spend Halloween weekend without fear,” Pritzker wrote. “No child should be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemical agents while trick or treating in their own neighborhood.”
According to The Chicago Sun-Times, the letter was sent to Secretary Noem, ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, and CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
"I'm asking for basic human decency. I think their response will be revealing. Give the children and families of Illinois a break," Pritzker said at a press conference on the eve of Halloween.
In court filings Monday, attorneys submitted affidavits from Old Irving Park residents who said they were caught off guard by the commotion, with some stepping out of the shower, still in pajamas, or preparing their children for a Halloween parade when they heard loud noises, NBC reported.
Chicago has become a key battleground in the national debate over immigration enforcement as federal authorities continue “Operation Midway Blitz,” as part of the GOP's hardline mass removal plans.
What People Are Saying
Pritzker wrote in a post on X: "We know Kristi Noem must love Halloween because she always dresses in law enforcement costumes, but what is truly shameful is that she refuses to agree that we shouldn’t tear gas children trick or treating."
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: “Once again Governor Pritzker is going out of his way to smear the law enforcement officers of DHS, who are attempting to clean up the rampant crime he facilitated. He is pushing a false narrative that DHS is targeting schools, hospitals, and churches. This is false, he knows this, but he continues to push these lies."
What Happens Next
Halloween events are scheduled to proceed as planned in communities across the country. Meanwhile, federal immigration enforcement operations are expected to continue in the Chicago area and other major cities.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
