'Publicity Stunt': Pritzker Blasts Visit From Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

ILLINOIS — Gov. JB Pritzker blasted Wednesday's visit to Springfield by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling it a publicity stunt, and also criticized the administration of President Donald Trump.

"Secretary Noem must have not realized she was visiting during Latino Unity Day where we come together to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our community," Pritzker said. "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 hosted a press conference flanked by "angel families," a term used to describe families of victims killed by illegal immigrants in the United States. She said the state's sanctuary policies "undermine the rule of law and endanger fellow Americans."

"I am calling upon Governor Pritzker, and other leaders in the state of Illinois, to abandon these dangerous sanctuary policies," Noem said during the 26-minute news conference. "We need to return to law and order and put the safety of Americans first."

Noem said she was in Springfield under the direction of President Donald Trump. According to Noem's office, among the attendees were the following "angel families":

• The family of Denny McCann: "Denny was crossing the street when he was hit by a car in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood and dragged to his death by an 'illegal alien.' The driver was charged in the fatal crash, but after being released on bond, he disappeared," DHS said in a news release.
• The family of Jimmy Walden: "Jimmy was killed by a twice deported 'illegal alien' who crashed into Jimmy's motorcycle. He was killed in Maryland, but his father lives in Illinois," DHS said.

McCann, 66, was fatally struck in 2011. The man who struck him failed to show up to court hearings and reportedly returned to Mexico, but was extradited back to the U.S. in 2022 to face charges in McCann's death.

Walden, 21, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, was killed in Maryland in February 2017, during Trump's first term in office. Originally from Peoria Heights, Illinois, he was stationed at Fort Meade at the time of his death. The driver who hit him was originally deported in 2020, and then after being convicted of illegal reentry, was again deported under President Joe Biden's administration in 2022.

The day of Noem's visit, Pritzker blasted her and the Trump administration, citing allegations of unlawful deportations.

"Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law," Pritzker said Wednesday. "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."

Pritzker added, "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."

In his remarks regarding the visit, Pritzker, as he has in recent weeks, expressed the need for resistance of Republicans across the nation and in Washington, D.C. According to multiple reports, the governor is considering a run for president in 2028. Pritzker, whose second term as governor is set to end in 2027, has not made an announcement regarding his political future.

"Secretary Noem's visit brings a much-needed spotlight to the very real consequences of Illinois' sanctuary policies," Illinois Senate Republican Deputy Leader Sue Rezin (R-Morris) said. "Laws that prohibit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials are creating unnecessary and avoidable risks for our communities. When jails are blocked from alerting federal agents, even when dealing with violent offenders, that is a public safety failure."