Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday to “suspend” Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Chicago over Halloween weekend so that children can trick or treat without worrying about federal officers.
The request comes after news reports alleged Customs and Border Protection personnel interrupted a children’s Halloween parade on the northwest side of Chicago by deploying tear gas on residents.
In a letter, Pritzker argued the incident was in “direct violation” of ICE’s statements and directives concerning the safety and security of children caught in enforcement operations. The governor said causing children to “live in fear” is “unacceptable” and “un-American.”
That’s why he asked Noem to pause ICE operations from Friday, Oct. 31, to Sunday, Nov. 2, “in and around homes, schools, hospitals, parks, houses of worship, and other community gatherings where Halloween celebrations are taking place,” per the letter.
“Illinois families deserve to spend Halloween weekend without fear,” Pritzker wrote. “No child should be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemical agents while trick or treating in their own neighborhood.”
The letter was addressed to Noem, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, and CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott.
Pritzker has been opposed to the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration in Chicago and Illinois, called “Operation Midway Blitz,” from the start. Since its launch in early September, the operation has resulted in the arrests of more than 1,800 people.
The Democrat implored the Trump administration to cooperate with Illinois and confirm federal officers will not “endanger or harm perfectly innocent children” over Halloween weekend.
“Illinois children should not be robbed of their innocence. Let them enjoy a time-honored American tradition safely and peacefully. Please let children be children for one holiday, free from intimidation and fear,” he concluded.
The request comes before Noem visits Gary, Indiana, on Thursday to provide updates on Operation Midway Blitz. She will be joined by Lyons, Gov. Mike Braun (R-IN), and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The city Noem will visit is about 30 miles from downtown Chicago, across the border between Indiana and Illinois.
“Once again Governor Pritzker is going out of his way to smear the law enforcement officers of DHS, who are attempting to clean up the rampant crime he facilitated. He is pushing a false narrative that DHS is targeting schools, hospitals, and churches. This is false, he knows this, but he continues to push these lies,” Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement provided to the Washington Examiner.
“Our officers are facing mass assaults, vehicles used as weapons, violence and only use crowd control methods as a last resort when repeated warnings have been given,” she added. “Those who are here legally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear. Elected officials choosing to fearmonger by distorting reality are doing a great disservice to our country and are responsible for the nearly 1,000% increase in assaults and 8,000% increase in violent threats against ICE officers.”
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CBP Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino, who is leading the ICE operation in Chicago, has called the federal effort “wildly successful.”
The official was ordered on Tuesday to brief a judge daily on immigration raids in Chicago following concerns that federal officers are using excessive force against anti-ICE protesters and rioters. An appeals court paused that order on Wednesday before Bovino was set to report to the judge for his first daily briefing.
