Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday confirmed the Trump administration’s plans to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Chicago – and other major cities – as residents gathered to condemn the president’s crackdown.
When asked specifically about plans to expand ICE operations in Chicago, Noem told CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” “We’ve already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago and throughout Illinois and other states, making sure that we’re upholding our laws, but we do intend to add more resources to those operations.”
About 35 miles north of the city, the Department of Defense has secured Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago for office space and a command center. Earlier this week, multiple sources told NBC News federal agencies will “surge manpower” to Chicago next week to step up immigration enforcement and arrests.
While Noem said agents will focus on violent criminals, residents near the naval base are fearful ICE will detain immigrants who are working toward becoming citizens, and contribute to their community. A group walked to the base on Sunday to pray for peace and mercy.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday to counter a looming federal immigration crackdown.
“”The Juans, Marias and Joses that are walking with us today are not criminals,” said Pastor Julie Contreras with United Giving Hope. “They are individuals who have their homes and have worked here and contribute to this great nation.”
In anticipation of increased enforcement efforts, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order, declaring Chicago police will not collaborate with military on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement.
“We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government. It is unclear at this time what that will look like exactly.”
The order also utilizes legal action and legislation to prevent attempts to violate citizens’ rights, Johnson said.
What’s still unclear is if the National Guard will accompany ICE agents – something Trump said will help crack down on crime. The president posted on social media Sunday, warning Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker “better straighten it out fast or we’re coming.”
Pritzker discussed the possibility on “Face the Nation.”
“Any kind of troops on the streets of an American city don’t belong unless there’s an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency and there’s not,” he said.
Despite Trump’s threat to send in troops to respond to crime, the most recent year-to-date statistics provided by the city revealed a 31% drop in homicides and a 37.4% decrease in shooting incidents.