Kristi Noem Says ICE Will Continue Chicago Ops on Halloween

By Manisha Sahu | America News World | October 31, 2025

Despite mounting criticism and calls for restraint, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Thursday that ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in and around Chicago will not be suspended during the Halloween weekend. The decision comes just days after tensions flared in the city when federal agents deployed a chemical agent in a residential neighborhood preparing for a Halloween parade.

The controversy has reignited debate over immigration enforcement tactics, the role of federal agencies in local policing, and the balance between community safety and civil liberties during public celebrations.

The Controversy: Halloween Parade Disrupted by Federal Operation

According to local reports, the flashpoint occurred earlier this week in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood — a community with a large Latino population and vibrant immigrant heritage. Residents had gathered to set up decorations and floats for a Halloween parade when ICE agents, reportedly in pursuit of undocumented individuals, deployed a chemical irritant after a confrontation broke out.

Several people were treated for respiratory issues, and videos circulating on social media showed families, including children, running from the area in panic. The footage quickly went viral, prompting widespread outrage from community leaders, activists, and state officials.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the incident, calling the use of chemical agents “unacceptable and inhumane.” He urged the Department of Homeland Security to suspend ICE operations across the city for the duration of Halloween festivities, arguing that the crackdown was causing “fear and chaos” among residents.

“This is supposed to be a weekend of joy for children and families,” Pritzker said in a statement Wednesday. “Instead, communities are on edge, terrified that their neighborhood events will be turned into scenes of violence and intimidation.”

Kristi Noem Defends Federal Response

Speaking at a press conference in Gary, Indiana, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rejected the governor’s request outright. She insisted that ICE operations would proceed as planned and defended the agency’s actions as necessary to maintain law and order.

“No, we’re absolutely not willing to put on pause any work that we will do to keep communities safe,” Noem said firmly. “Our agents are enforcing federal law. Their duty is to protect the public from individuals who pose a threat — and that responsibility doesn’t stop for holidays.”

Noem’s remarks reflect the administration’s broader stance on immigration enforcement, which has emphasized “lawful consistency” and “community protection” even in the face of growing political backlash.

Federal vs. State Tensions Deepen

The disagreement between federal and state officials highlights an ongoing power struggle over immigration enforcement in so-called “sanctuary states” like Illinois. While local leaders have sought to limit cooperation with ICE, federal authorities have repeatedly asserted their jurisdiction to operate anywhere in the U.S., regardless of local restrictions.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed disappointment in Noem’s decision, saying the federal government’s refusal to pause operations shows a “lack of empathy and understanding” for immigrant families.

“Our city has worked hard to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities,” Johnson said in a statement. “This kind of heavy-handed federal action undermines that trust and puts lives at risk.”

Community groups have echoed the mayor’s concerns, warning that continuing raids and arrests during public festivities could escalate tensions and deter residents from attending community events.

Local Reaction: Fear and Frustration

Across Chicago, the mood ahead of Halloween weekend is tense. In neighborhoods like Little Village, Humboldt Park, and Pilsen — all home to large immigrant populations — organizers have expressed uncertainty about whether parades and community gatherings will proceed safely.

Maria Gomez, a local teacher and mother of two, said parents in her neighborhood are considering keeping their children home. “We don’t feel safe,” she told America News World. “Last year, Halloween was full of laughter and music. This year, it’s fear. People are worried ICE might show up anywhere.”

Immigrant advocacy organizations have mobilized volunteers to provide legal assistance and safety monitoring during events. The Chicago Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) issued a public advisory urging residents to know their legal rights if approached by federal agents and to record any incidents involving enforcement actions.

ICE Defends Its Conduct

ICE officials have pushed back against criticism, arguing that their operations are targeted, lawful, and focused on individuals with criminal records or pending deportation orders. In a statement, ICE said agents acted “in accordance with federal guidelines” during the Pilsen operation and deployed the chemical irritant only after “officers were obstructed and assaulted.”

“Our agents are not targeting families or community gatherings,” the statement read. “They are enforcing immigration laws against those who have violated the law. Safety remains our top priority.”

However, eyewitness accounts paint a more chaotic picture, suggesting the confrontation escalated rapidly after agents entered the area without prior notice. Civil rights attorneys have called for an independent investigation into the use of force.

Political Fallout and National Implications

The incident has sparked a political firestorm in Washington. Democratic lawmakers accused the Department of Homeland Security of prioritizing “militarized immigration enforcement” over community safety. Several members of Congress from Illinois have demanded that Noem testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security to explain the agency’s actions.

Republicans, meanwhile, have largely defended Noem’s decision. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas praised her “firm leadership,” saying, “The law is the law. We don’t suspend it for parades.”

The controversy also underscores how immigration enforcement continues to divide the American political landscape. While the Biden administration had initially sought a more humane approach to immigration, critics argue that the continuation of aggressive ICE tactics under Noem — who assumed the Homeland Security role earlier this year — signals a shift toward a tougher, more uncompromising policy.

Calls for Calm and Accountability

Civil society leaders are now urging both sides to de-escalate. Reverend James Thompson of the Chicago Council of Churches appealed for calm ahead of the weekend’s events. “We must remember that our shared humanity matters more than our disagreements,” he said during a candlelight vigil Thursday night. “Children should be able to celebrate Halloween without fear of tear gas or arrests.”

Meanwhile, Governor Pritzker reiterated his call for accountability, demanding a federal review of ICE’s tactics. “Illinois will not tolerate reckless endangerment of its residents,” he said. “We need to rebuild trust — not tear communities apart.”


As Halloween weekend approaches, the federal presence in Chicago remains strong, and ICE has confirmed that operations will continue “as scheduled.” City officials are urging residents to stay calm, avoid confrontations, and report any enforcement activity to legal hotlines.

For many Chicagoans, however, the sense of unease lingers. What should have been a festive weekend has become a flashpoint in America’s ongoing struggle over immigration, law enforcement, and the limits of government power.