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CHICAGO — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is set to visit northwest Indiana this Thursday. The visit comes amidst calls from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt immigration arrests during the Halloween weekend.
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Secretary Noem is expected to provide an update on “Operation Midway Blitz,” a recent immigration enforcement initiative. Earlier this week, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino described the operation as “wildly successful” during an interview with ABC News.
Joining Noem at the event in Gary, Indiana, will be Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons, among other officials.
SEE ALSO: Court pauses order requiring CBP Chief Bovino to meet with judge daily on immigration operations
However, the visit has drawn criticism from some local officials in northwest Indiana. Gary’s Mayor, Eddie Melton, noted that his office was not consulted in the planning of the event and will not be participating.
Additionally, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott expressed his disapproval on Facebook, criticizing the manner in which the press conference was announced.
Hammond’s Mayor Thomas McDermott also posted on Facebook, criticizing how the press conference was announced.
Counter-protests are expected later Thursday morning.
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On Wednesday night, Pritzker sent a letter to Noem, requesting a pause in ICE enforcement this weekend in and around homes, schools, hospitals, parks and places of worship, so children can safely celebrate Halloween.
The governor referenced an incident in his letter this past weekend in Old Irving Park – in which he says, federal agents reportedly interrupted a children’s Halloween parade and deployed tear gas without warning on residents peacefully celebrating the holiday.
Bovino says nearly 3,000 people have been arrested in the Chicago area, as part of “Midway Blitz.”
The expanded immigration enforcement started in September.
