DHS Chief Kristi Noem confirms expanded immigration crackdown in Chicago amid Trump-Pritzker clash

“We’ve already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago… but we do intend to add more resources to those operations,” Noem said on CBS News.

She declined to provide specific details, but the DHS last week requested limited logistical support from the Naval Station Great Lakes, about 35 miles north of Chicago, to assist in the effort.

Possible National Guard deployment

Noem added that it was Trump’s “prerogative” whether to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, as he did in Los Angeles in June during immigration protests.

“I do know that LA wouldn’t be standing today if President Trump hadn’t taken action,” Noem said. “That city would have burned if left to devices of the mayor and governor of that state.”

Trump targets Illinois leadership

President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over crime and immigration. On Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming!”

Illinois leaders push back

Both Pritzker and Johnson have pushed back against the administration’s plans, arguing that crime in Chicago has been declining. They have also vowed to resist any federal overreach.

Johnson has already signed an order barring the Chicago Police Department from cooperating with federal agents on civil immigration enforcement, including patrols, traffic stops, and checkpoints.

“Chicago is not going to be a partner in violating the rights of our residents,” Johnson’s office said.

Pritzker pushed back on Wednesday (August 27) against Trump’s threats to expand federal law enforcement operations into Chicago, saying Democrats are already making progress on crime.

“We also are tough on crime,” Pritzker told The Associated Press. Trump, he said, “talks a good game. What the President has done, however, is to make it harder to crack down on crime.”

Sanctuary laws at the forefront

Chicago, home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the country, has strong sanctuary laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Illinois has some of the toughest anti-cooperation rules in the nation, often putting it at odds with Trump’s immigration policies.