Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Springfield, Illinois, to address the impact of sanctuary policies in the state and nationwide. The event featured Angel families who shared their experiences of losing loved ones due to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Secretary Noem criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for not adhering to federal law and specifically called out Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for allegedly protecting those who break the law. "As Secretary of Homeland Security, I'm going to uphold our federal immigration laws," stated Noem. She emphasized her commitment to supporting victims and bringing violent criminals to justice, with President Donald Trump sharing this goal.
Angel families present at the conference included Jim Walden, whose son Lance Corporal James Ray “Jimmy” Walden III was killed by a twice-deported illegal immigrant; Kathy Zander, whose son John died from fentanyl poisoning; Brian McCann, whose brother Dennis “Denny” McCann was killed in a hit-and-run by an undocumented driver; and Nancy Platania, whose son Nick died from a fentanyl overdose.
The press release noted that there are over 200 sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States. It also highlighted several leaders allegedly refusing cooperation with federal authorities: New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, and Boston Police Department Commissioner Michael Cox.
On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. This order directs the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to list states and local jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration law enforcement. Under Trump's leadership, DHS aims to collaborate with the Department of Justice to ensure compliance with U.S. laws.
