Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that her department is planning to buy buildings in Chicago and Portland amid the Trump administration’s crackdowns in the Democrat-led cities.
Speaking at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Noem said she was “doubling down” efforts in both cities despite backlash from their city and state leaders.
“We’re purchasing more buildings in Chicago to operate out of. We’re goina not back off, in fact we’re doubling down and we’re going to be in more parts of Chicago,” Noem said, adding she was also increasing security measures at current buildings, including snipers.
The move comes after the mayor of Chicago signed an order banning federal immigration agents from using city-owned property.
Noem said they were also looking at purchasing buildings in Portland. “I was in Portland on Tuesday, and met the governor, met with the mayor, met with the chief of police… They are all lying, and disingenuous, and dishonest people,” she added. “I told them if they didn’t meet our demands for safety and security on the streets and work with us, then we were going to bring in more federal law enforcement.”
“If we have to do it the hard way in Portland and Chicago, we will,” she said.
This is breaking news, updates to follow.
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