Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the US government is acquiring property in Chicago, Illinois, to bolster the operations of ICE in the city.
“We’re purchasing more buildings in Chicago to operate out of. We’re gonna not back off, in fact, we’re doubling down, and we’re gonna be in more parts of Chicago in response to the people there,” Noem stated during a White House cabinet meeting. “What they’re trying to do with these riots and violence is distract us and keep us from going after those murderers and rapists that are out on the streets.”
These acquisitions come as the White House deploys the National Guard to the city, a move which has been met with backlash by both Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. As of Thursday, a total of 500 troops, including 200 from Texas, are set to begin their work in protecting ICE agents.
Earlier in the week, Latin Kings gang member Juan Espinoza Martinez was arrested in Illinois for putting a hit on US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, which was accompanied by a $10,000 bounty.
“Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez – who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement – do NOT belong in this country,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated. “We will not allow criminal gangs to put hits on U.S. government officials and our law enforcement officers. Thanks to ICE and our federal law enforcement partners, this thug is off our streets and behind bars. These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END. Secretary Noem has been crystal clear: If you threaten or lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
