Kristi Noem Rejects Illinois Governor's ICE Operation Pause Request

Rejection of Governor Pritzker's Request

• ❌ Kristi Noem stated that ICE operations will not be paused in response to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request to halt immigration arrests during Halloween.
• ⚠️ Noem called the request "shameful" and "unfortunate," emphasizing the importance of bringing criminals to justice and removing them from streets, especially when children are celebrating.

Focus on Criminals and Illegal Immigration

• 🎯 ICE focuses daily on arresting individuals with criminal activities, including those with assault against a child and child pedophilia charges.
• ⚖️ Noem reiterated that entering the country illegally is breaking laws and a criminal activity, and those found to be in the country illegally will face due process and removal.
• ✈️ Individuals here illegally have the option to return home voluntarily via the CBP Home app, receiving $1,000 and a plane ticket, with the possibility of returning legally.

ICE Leadership and Operations

• 👍 Noem clarified that the White House and DHS leadership are "thrilled" with the work of ICE and Border Patrol, refuting reports of dissatisfaction.
• 🚀 Leadership changes are seen as opportunities for individuals to step up and take on more responsibilities, ensuring the right people are in place for effective law enforcement.
• 🤝 The 287(g) program is highlighted as a successful partnership allowing state law enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement actions, with Indiana State Police cited as a model for nationwide expansion.

Arrest Statistics and Enforcement

• 📊 The Midway Blitz operation, covering Indiana, Chicago, and Illinois, has resulted in over 3,000 arrests of individuals who were here illegally and committed crimes or had final orders of removal.
• 📈 Since the Trump administration, over two million people who were here illegally have been removed, with an additional 600,000-650,000 expected by the end of the year.
• 🚫 Noem criticized the Biden administration's recording of arrest numbers, stating DHS is being honest with the American people about who is detained and removed.

Sanctuary States and Real ID

• 🚗 Noem is pushing sanctuary states to stop issuing driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, citing concerns about individuals obtaining commercial driver's licenses without proper vetting.
• 🛂 The implementation of the Real ID Act is mentioned, requiring legal status for identification, but some sanctuary states like California, New York, and Illinois are not fully complying.