DHS Sec. Kristi Noem attacks Pritzker, Illinois sanctuary policies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Springfield on Wednesday. She was accompanied by people who lost family members in crimes involving illegal immigrants.

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Noem denounced Illinois' status as a sanctuary state.

"Governors like JB Pritzker don't care if gang bangers, if murderers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in his state," she said. "It is very clear that he is violating the constitution of the us because it is a federal law that the federal government and the president set and enforce immigration policies."

READ ALSO | Gov. JB Pritzker to testify to Congress on sanctuary policies, House Oversight Committee says

Pritzker quickly sent out a statement blasting Noem's event as a publicity stunt.

"The Trump Administration is violating the United States Constitution, denying people due process, and disappearing law-abiding neighbors - including children who are U.S. citizens," Pritzker said in a statement.

About an hour after Noem's event, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joined a rally in Springfield organized by the Latino Policy Forum to condemn noem's remarks.

"So on a day when Kristi Noem should be doing her job and helping us with REAL ID, she's traveling the country doing political stops, publicity events a vanity tour," he said,

Meanwhile, Mark Fleming with the National Immigrant Justice Center said undocumented immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than the general public.

Prizker, along with two other Democratic governors will testify before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about the state's sanctuary laws in June.

Read Pritzker's full statement below:

"Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law.

The Trump Administration is violating the United States Constitution, denying people due process, and disappearing law-abiding neighbors - including children who are U.S. citizens. Yet, they are taking no real action to promote public safety and deport violent criminals within the clear and defined legal process.

Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter. Illinois doesn't need to abuse power or ignore the Constitution to keep our people safe. Like the millions of Americans asking for sensible, humane immigration reform, I encourage the Secretary to spend less time performing for Fox News and more time protecting the Homeland.

Secretary Noem must have not realized she was visiting during Latino Unity Day where we come together celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Today, Secretary Noem was met by a force stronger than her: the people of Illinois.

Illinoisans are sending a clear message to Trump's lackeys that we will not let you mess with us without a resistance."

SEE ALSO | President Trump signs executive order targeting Chicago, other sanctuary cities