Noem Shuts Down Blue State Gov’s Request to ‘Pause’ Immigration Enforcement

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has rejected a plea from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to suspend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Illinois over the Halloween weekend — calling the request irresponsible and reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to law and order.

Pritzker announced Thursday that he had asked DHS to pause immigration enforcement, claiming it would ensure that “children in Chicago can safely enjoy the holiday.” The Democrat governor suggested that federal agents were somehow endangering kids by carrying out immigration arrests during Halloween.

Secretary Noem swiftly shot down the request, appearing on Fox News to deliver a firm response.

“No, we’re going to be out on the streets in full force and increase our activities to make sure kids are safe,” Noem said. “Every day in Chicago, we’re arresting murderers, child pedophiles, those who have perpetuated assault and pornography against children.”

She continued:

“We’re going to be out there to make sure that they can be safe, enjoy the holidays, spend some time with their families and their neighbors and their communities, and they don’t have to be the victim of a crime because of these illegal aliens that are in our country victimizing them.”

Noem’s comments reflect the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward illegal immigration and its ongoing push to restore safety in cities plagued by violent crime — particularly those run by Democrat mayors who have long resisted federal assistance.

In a rare show of bipartisanship, Ray Lopez, a Democratic alderman representing Chicago’s 15th Ward, publicly praised President Trump’s decision to send more federal personnel to restore order in the city.

When asked by Fox News whether residents in his ward shared the anti-Trump rhetoric of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor Pritzker, Lopez responded bluntly:

“Absolutely not. There are many people in the city of Chicago who completely support having the additional resources to keep both ICE agents and community protesters safe.”

He accused local leaders of playing politics instead of protecting their constituents.

“What we have seen is a complete abdication of responsibility, both by Governor Pritzker and by the mayor of the city of Chicago, who have refused up until this point to allow police just to maintain the peace for protesters and for ICE agents doing their job,” Lopez said.
“We need to bring some sanity back to the conversation, and a majority of Chicagoans want to see that happen.”

The debate over ICE operations comes amid weeks of escalating unrest near a federal detention facility in Broadview, Illinois, where far-left agitators have repeatedly clashed with law enforcement.

Rioters have thrown rocks, slashed tires, and blocked federal vehicles in coordinated attempts to obstruct deportation operations. Several suspects have been arrested and charged — including progressive activist Kat Abughazaleh, who was indicted this week for obstructing federal agents.

President Trump ordered the deployment of 300 Texas National Guard troops to assist federal personnel following the attacks. While a federal judge temporarily paused the deployment, the Pentagon emphasized that the mission was part of the “Federal Protection Mission” — aimed at defending government facilities, personnel, and property.

At the same time, the administration has dispatched hundreds of additional agents from ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and DHS to Illinois and other high-risk jurisdictions to reinforce security and accelerate deportations of violent offenders.

The standoff between Noem and Pritzker underscores a growing divide between Trump’s tough-on-crime policies and the soft-on-enforcement stance of Democrat-run states.

While Chicago leaders continue to frame federal law enforcement as an “occupation,” many residents — including Democrats — are demanding stronger action against illegal alien crime and domestic extremism that threaten their neighborhoods.

For Secretary Noem and the Trump administration, the message is clear:
The safety of American families comes first — politics comes last.