Ammons Responds to DHS Secretary Noem’s Press Conference

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, released the following statement in response to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Springfield press conference Wednesday morning:

“I’ve lived in Illinois my whole life and have been grateful to call the Champaign-Urbana community my home. We have had so many bright young people raised here in Central Illinois that I have had the absolute privilege of not only knowing, but learning from, and working alongside.

“One of these bright, young people was Emma Shafer. Emma was a changemaker who poured her heart into environmental justice up until the very end of her life, which was
 taken from her. Her photo still hangs just two blocks from here, outside the Illinois Environmental Council’s office on Capitol Avenue.

“I stand here today deeply disturbed by Secretary Noem’s reckless and exploitative decision to invoke Emma’s tragic story without the consent or even knowledge of her family, friends, or the countless others touched by Emma’s presence.

“To use a victim of domestic violence — a victim who is no longer here to speak for herself — as a prop for a political display is disgraceful. It is a betrayal of everything Emma believed in. “And never mind the fact that our federal leaders should be focused on upholding our Constitution — not flying across the country to cosplay as the face of law enforcement. It’s embarrassing enough to witness as an elected official.

“The Trump Administration and its allies habitually weaponize women’s trauma while doing nothing to protect them. Let me be clear, Ms. Noem, Emma’s legacy belongs to her community and those who loved her. Definitely not those desperate to score political points off her pain. How dare you use our lived experiences and Emma’s fate as a headline grab.

“I’m offended. I’m disturbed. And I’m heartbroken for Emma’s family and friends who had to watch their angel be used for political bait.

“Secretary Noem, you are not wanted here in Illinois. You are not respected here in Illinois. Go back to Washington, dust off your desk, and get to work. Emma deserves dignity. Not
this.”