Illinois Governor Slams and Mocks DHS Chief Kristi Noem Ahead of Visit

U.S. Homeland Security Kristi Noem will be in Springfield Wednesday, where she will hold a news conference in front of the Governor's Mansion, and Gov. JB Pritzker's office announced her impending arrival with scathing mockery the night before.

Noem is expected to talk about what she calls the failures of sanctuary city policies.

In an announcement to the press, Pritzker’s office stated that Noem was set to visit Springfield, immediately followed by a criticism of her office as well as the Trump administration.

"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 Noel’s welcome to Springfield on Wednesday morning, Pritzker’s office informed journalists, “Since Secretary Noem has frequently appeared on TV dressed as various law enforcement roles, media members are encouraged to photograph her newest disguise when she arrives.”

For Noem's visit to a regional U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in Springfield later in the morning, Pritzker's office wrote: "Despite numerous instances the Trump Administration has ignored the Constitution, Secretary Noem will ironically visit an office located on Constitution Drive. She is not expected to address the parts of the Constitution that guarantee the right to due process in the United States of America."

Lastly, during Neom’s news conference, Pritzker's office stated it would “emphasize how the State of Illinois remains compliant with the law, irrespective of the Trump Administration’s ongoing falsehoods to the opposite effect.”

Despite assertions that bipartisan public safety measures in Illinois exacerbate violence, the state remains committed to enabling law enforcement to perform their duties effectively. We aim to encourage everyone within our community—regardless of immigration background—to reach out confidently to police and emergency responders when assistance is required," stated Pritzker’s office with a somber tone. "Illinois firmly stands behind this position: individuals involved in criminal activities who lack proper documentation should not reside in our state or nation.

Before wrapping up their statement, Pritzker's office appeared to target Noem regarding this issue. a controversy last year When she was serving as the governor of South Dakota, she included an anecdote in her book about killing her dog decades earlier.

"We strongly recommend that all pet owners in the area ensure their cherished animals are well-protected while the Secretary is visiting the region," wrote Pritzker's office.

Meanwhile, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said Noem should be focused on the Real ID deadline , which is scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday. Her department manages the Real ID initiative.

The Department of Homeland Security said Noem's news conference will "highlight how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, shoplifting, and more — while shielding illegal aliens responsible from facing consequence."

Earlier Tuesday, Pritzker confirmed he would appear before Congress next month about Illinois' sanctuary laws. The hearing by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on June 12 comes after Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky), the panel's chairman, last month called on Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and New York Mayor Kathy Hochul to come before the committee.

Comer's office announced Tuesday that Pritzker, Walz, and Hochul would testify at the hearing.

Comer is also demanding the governors provide documents and communications related to their state's sanctuary policies.

Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough confirmed Pritzker will attend the hearing on June 12 "to discuss his track record on public safety and the implementation of bipartisan state laws."