SPRINGFIELD, IL (May 7, 2025) — Following is a statement from Veronica Castro, deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, in response to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield today: 

“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because that is what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”