UPDATED: Noem, DC Circus Comes to Springfield
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
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The Trump administration brings its brand of chaos to Springfield Wednesday, as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem comes to town to host a news conference on the state’s immigration policies.
Noem, the former Governor of South Dakota, has been a high profile member of the Trump administration, especially in light of deportation actions taken by the administration.
Noem is expected to visit the DHS Regional office on the west side of Springfield this morning before a news conference in front of the Governor’s Mansion where she is expected to criticize Governor JB Pritzker for his immigration positions.
Pritzker’s office was quick to condemn Noem’s visit.
"Despite the Trump Administration being in office for more than 100 days and falsely accusing Illinois of not following federal and state law, Secretary Noem and her team does not communicate with the State of Illinois and has not asked for support or coordination to enforce immigration laws," Pritzker's office said.
For Noem's arrival in Springfield this morning, Pritzker's office advised reporters, "Secretary Noem has often been spotted on television cosplaying law enforcement officers, so media are invited to capture her latest costume upon arrival."
The Democratic Party of Illinois has also called for their supporters to protest the event.
UPDATE (7:02 P.M.):
Noem is drawing significant criticism from some members of the Springfield community after invoking the murder of Emma Shafer, a progressive activist that was murdered by an immigrant in 2023.
Emma Shafer was allegedly murdered by Gabriel Calixto, who she had a prior relationship with. He has potentially fled the country.
Noem used Shafer’s story to highlight the state’s immigration policies, but Shafer was a pro-immigrant activist and her mother was reportedly at the Governor’s Mansion protesting Noem’s appearance.
More from Cole Henke of WCIA:
On Wednesday, Noem speculated about Shafer’s case and used her death as a political talking point, and not only without her family’s consent, but while Shafer’s mother was actively protesting Noem’s trip to Springfield.
“She lost her life to an illegal alien that’s still out at large, probably in the state, we can’t confirm that,” Noem said.
The police have refuted that Calixto-Pichardo may still be in the state. On Wednesday, the Springfield Police Department said they have no reason to believe Calixto-Pichardo is in the country, let alone Illinois.
While Noem was in Springfield, she also claimed that state law blocks local and state law enforcement from sharing information with ICE officers. But, U.S. Marshals have actively been involved in the case from the beginning. And, the TRUST Act does not prevent local law enforcement from working with federal law enforcement on any case involving a criminal warrant.
Following Noem’s speech, Shafer’s family members released a statement expressing their disappointment:
“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
