U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used a visit to the Chicago area on Friday to criticize Illinois politicians, blasting Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson at a press conference

Kristi Noem, whose office oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), visited suburban Lombard on Friday to criticize Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, whom he claimed have “worked so hard to protect these dangerous criminals” through their refusal to cooperate with ICE officials.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made her second visit of the year to Illinois on Friday.

A group of demonstrators gathered in Lombard to protest U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's visit.

At a news conference in west suburban Lombard, Noem highlighted four individuals arrested in Illinois and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement while arguing Illinois has given safe harbor to violent criminals.

Kristi Noem, speaking in a Chicago suburb Friday, said city officials have only approved 8% percent of the detainers immigration enforcement has lodged in the region since the beginning of the year.

Noem’s complaints drew strong rebuke from top Illinois officials and vocal protestors outside of the Aug. 8 press conference, letting the controversial Homeland Security secretary know that she was not welcome.