Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was in Chicago Saturday for the city’s ‘Christmas tree ship’ tradition. NBC Chicago’s Randy Gyllenhaal has the story.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke at Chicago's "Christmas Tree Ship" delivery Saturday, bringing protestors out to the annual holiday event.
Docked at Navy Pier, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw arrived earlier this week with a load of 1,200 fresh Christmas trees for families who might otherwise not have one.
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WATCH HERE"All the people who volunteered this morning on a chilly morning, to come and make sure it could get to their homes. It’s a beautiful tradition, and a wonderful reminder of everything we are about as human beings," Noem said at the event.
Noem did not address ongoing DHS operations, including ICE and Border Patrol raids and President Trump's mass deportation plan.
Protestors attended the event, some with signs — including one that read "Trees for families not props for politicians."
Her appearance came on the same day as federal agents deployed tear gas and pepper spray during an immigration operation in suburban Elgin.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responded to Noem's visit during a Christmas winter coat giveaway event Saturday in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.
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"Under the Trump administration, food has been cut off, access to health care. His presence through his administration has created a great deal of consternation and anxiety," Johnsons said. "We’re doing our part in Chicago to lead by example."
