Homeland Security Secretary Noem Calls Out Gov. Pritzker

On May 7, 2025, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Springfield, Illinois, criticizing Governor JB Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies. Noem argued that Illinois’ sanctuary status, in place since 2017, has led to increased violence, including crimes like rape, sexual assault, murder, and shoplifting, by shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.

Secretary Noem highlighted the case of Emma Shafer, allegedly killed in 2023 by Gabriel Calixto Pichardo, an illegal immigrant who was not turned over to ICE becuase of Illinois' sanctuary state policies.

Calixto-Pichardo was previously involved in a kidnapping case in 2018, where he pleaded guilty to kidnapping but the conviction was later vacated. He was then resentenced to time served and released on October 30, 2020

This 25-year-old man is wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service not only for the alleged murder of Emma, he is also charged with aggravated domestic battery. He is considered dangerous.

Other speakers at this press conference spoke about how drug trafficking impacted families and communities in Springfield.

Noem claims that sanctuary state policies cost Illinois $1.6 billion and accused Pritzker of prioritizing “criminal illegal immigrants” over public safety. She called for an end to sanctuary policies.