Parents of stabbed Springfield woman condemn Noem's visit
The parents of Emma Shafer are admonishing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for using their daughter to push a "cruel and heartless political agenda."
Driving the news: Noem attacked Gov. JB Pritzker's stance on immigration and Illinois' status as a sanctuary state during a press conference Wednesday near Shafer's home where she was stabbed and killed in July 2023.
Context: Noem referred to the suspected killer, Gabriel Calixto, as an undocumented immigrant several times.
The Sangamon County State's Attorney issued arrest warrants for Calixto on multiple charges of first-degree murder as well as aggravated assault, but Calixto has not been found.
When asked by Axios for clarification of Calixto's status, a DHS spokesperson said they do not comment or provide information on specific individual immigration statuses.
Between the lines: No one from Shafer's family spoke at Noem's event, and several outlets reported her parents were at a protest against Noem's visit.
What they're saying: " Noem's words are in direct conflict with who Emma was as a person. Emma built up community and stood with all members, including immigrants," Cathy Schwartz and John Shafer said in a statement.
"No parent should have to experience the loss of a child. But every time her name is brought into these conversations — conversations she would have wanted nothing to do with — we have to relive the pain of her death."
The statement was shared by Pritzker's office, which said the family wanted the governor's office to distribute it to the media.
Shafer has been described by friends and family as a dedicated advocate for various Springfield organizations, including the Sierra and Faith Coalition for the Common Good, according to Illinois Public Radio.
"Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter," Pritzker said in a statement.
"Illinois doesn't need to abuse power or ignore the Constitution to keep our people safe. Like the millions of Americans asking for sensible, humane immigration reform, I encourage the Secretary to spend less time performing for Fox News and more time protecting the Homeland."
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