According to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, federal immigration law enforcement officers and agents in Chicago are being targeted with bounties by “gangs” and “cartel members” following aggressive immigration raids directed by President Trump. These raids, which are against the wishes of Chicago’s mayor and the governor of Illinois, have sparked protests and clashes between agents and the public. Noem claims that the protests have led to increased violence against agents, alleging that some demonstrators may be funded by organized crime groups. The Independent has requested more information from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding this matter.
Read More
Donald Trump’s homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem, described Chicago as a “war zone” following the shooting of a woman by federal agents, a characterization contested by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Noem defended the administration’s intervention, highlighting the deployment of the National Guard and the removal of alleged criminals from the streets. Pritzker accused the administration of escalating the crisis, condemning the federal deployment and its ultimatum to utilize state troops. The events followed Trump’s authorization to deploy National Guard members to Chicago, mirroring a pattern of intervention in other cities.
Read More
During a recent Fox & Friends Weekend appearance, Secretary Kristi Noem described Chicago as a “war zone,” citing difficulties ICE agents face, including limited access to restrooms and lunch breaks. Noem’s comments follow her experience with anti-ICE protestors in Chicago, where she was denied entry to a building. She criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging their stance on immigration has fueled resentment toward federal agents. Pritzker countered by accusing Noem of not knowing what she’s talking about, while also stating that ICE is not “going after the bad guys” and targeting minorities instead.
Read More
During a visit to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was denied access to the restroom at the Village of Broadview Municipal Building. Video captured Noem and her team being refused entry by staff, prompting her to criticize Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and local leaders for their treatment of law enforcement. The incident occurred while Noem was meeting with employees at the ICE processing facility, which was met with protests and subsequent arrests. Broadview officials stated Noem’s visit was unannounced and denied she requested a meeting with the mayor, with the DHS clarifying she only asked to use the restroom.
Read More
Kristi Noem Says ICE Will Be ‘All Over’ the Super Bowl, and this statement has clearly sparked a lot of reactions. It’s hard not to notice the immediate skepticism, bordering on disbelief, that’s swirling around the idea. The general consensus seems to be: why? What exactly is ICE going to be doing at a Super Bowl? The event is already one of the most heavily secured gatherings on the planet.
The primary source of bewilderment stems from the demographics of the typical Super Bowl attendee. The vast majority of people attending the game are going to be affluent, as ticket prices are exorbitantly high.… Continue reading
Following a major donor’s complaint, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expedited over $11 million in disaster assistance funds for a Naples, Florida pier project that had stalled. The pier, a significant tourist attraction, had been damaged by Hurricane Ian, and city officials were facing delays with FEMA, overseen by Noem’s department. The donor, who had contributed to Noem’s campaign, reached out to the Secretary, resulting in swift action and a subsequent visit by Noem to the pier, with the trip expenses unclear. This occurred as FEMA faced scrutiny for delays, with Noem’s policy of personally signing off on large purchases contributing to bottlenecks.
Read More
Following reports of policy-induced chaos within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly berated officials and used profanity. These issues stemmed from Noem’s decision to personally approve all payments over $100,000, leading to significant delays in crucial aid, as well as lapses in essential contracts. Reportedly, Noem and her de facto chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski, displayed disrespectful behavior toward DHS staff, with Lewandowski taking a heavy hand in contract management and personnel decisions. Multiple sources confirm the culture at DHS is in turmoil, with the White House expressing concerns about their management style.
Read More
During an early morning ICE raid in Illinois, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, known for her public appearances, posted a video of the operation targeting undocumented migrants. The video showed several individuals being detained, including a U.S. citizen, Joe Botello, who was born in Texas. Despite being a citizen, Botello and another man were briefly detained before being released after showing identification. The Department of Homeland Security later stated that the U.S. citizens were briefly held for safety protocols.
Read More
During an early morning operation in Elgin, Illinois, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined federal immigration agents, resulting in several arrests, including U.S. citizens who were later released. The raid was part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” a DHS enforcement effort targeting criminal noncitizens in the Chicago area. Noem’s presence highlights the federal focus on immigration enforcement. The operation is expected to continue for several weeks, involving multiple federal agencies.
Read More
Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the Trump administration’s intention to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in major cities, including Chicago, stating that more resources will be added to existing operations. While declining to specify the details of the expansion or whether it would involve National Guard troops, she acknowledged that such decisions are at the President’s discretion. This announcement follows Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s executive order to explore countermeasures against potential federal law enforcement surges, a move prompted by reports of imminent militarized activity. Noem also indicated that other cities, including Boston and those led by Republican officials, are being evaluated for potential operations.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood