By Newsmax Wires | Friday, 31 October 2025 08:49 PM EDT
Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, rejected Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s request to suspend federal immigration enforcement operations in the Chicago area over the Halloween weekend. Pritzker had urged ICE and its partners to halt action for three days so children could “safely celebrate Halloween.”
On “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” Lyons called the governor’s appeal “pretty embarrassing,” stating, “The children of Illinois don’t deserve to be raped by criminal illegal aliens. They don’t deserve to be trafficked in sex trafficking or forced labor. So, the governor needs to refocus his attention on what’s really happening in his state.”
Lyons supported Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s criticism of Pritzker’s request, calling it “shameful.” Noem confirmed ICE agents would operate fully during the holiday to protect public safety and trick-or-treaters. Lyons emphasized that enforcement actions would continue, noting, “Criminals don’t take off Halloween,” and reiterated that ICE would not target children or use excessive force.
