U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who represents Homewood and Flossmoor in Congress, pledged to fight back against the Trump administration. On Wednesday, Jan. 7, Kelly promised to rein in the Department of Homeland Security and demanding childcare funds be unfrozen.
Kelly issued a statement after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis early Wednesday.
“Today’s tragic shooting once again proves that ICE is not in our cities to protect people or for public safety. They are separating families, not only by distance and countries — but by death. My sincere condolences are with the family and loved ones of the woman who died.
“As details come forward about the shooting, I urge the truth to come to light. The city of Chicago knows all too well that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem only lies. After the deadly shooting of Silverio Villegas González during a traffic stop, Secretary Noem tried to hide the truth, but bodycam footage disproved injuries sustained by the ICE officer. The Minneapolis mayor has already said that video disputes Secretary Noem’s claims. It’s clear that to achieve public safety, ICE must leave our cities immediately.”
Noem characterized the incident as a case of domestic terrorism on the part of the victim. She told the media the agent fired at the woman because she “weaponized” her vehicle and put the agent in danger. Bystander videos posted on social media show the woman was driving away from agents when she was shot.
Kelly later issued another statement saying she intends to hold Noem accountable for the violence.
“I will be filing Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem. I’ve had enough. She has turned ICE into a rogue force, violating the Constitution, tearing families apart, and leaving death in her wake. From Chicago to Minneapolis, her recklessness cost lives, including Renee Nicole Good (in Minneapolis). This isn’t just dangerous — it’s impeachable. I’m fighting back.”
Call to unfreeze funds for childcare, social services
The Trump administration recently froze $10 billion in federal funds for social services across five states, all led by Democratic governors, including $1 billion for Illinois. Kelly condemned the action, which she said will hurt thousands of children and families.
“At the height of an affordability crisis created by President Trump, he’s decided to attack children. We are talking about hundreds of thousands of little kids whose parents depend on federal childcare so they can go to work and continue to provide for their families,” she said. “In political retaliation against Democratic-run states, President Trump is once again using undocumented immigrants as a scapegoat to unconstitutionally freeze congressional-allocated funds while providing no evidence of fraud. He’s gone after Americans’ healthcare, SNAP benefits, public safety, and now, childcare. It’s shameful.”
The Department of Health and Human Services froze funds for programs provided through the Child Care and Development Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. More than 152,000 Illinois children are served through CCDBG alone.
Kelly announces death of stepdaughter
Kelly also face personal loss, reporting the death of her stepdaughter, Lauren Horn, 38.
“My family and I are completely heartbroken. Lauren was one of my bonus daughters, an absolute blessing to me ever since we joined families over 20 years ago. She was a beloved mother, sister, and daughter. I will forever miss her.”
