It’s been one year since the death of Emma Shafer and the Springfield Police Department is still investigating the case.
On July 11, 2023,Sangamon County Dispatch said they received a call around from a woman in Bethalto stating that her brother possibly injured a woman who lived in Springfield.
Springfield Police responded to the 1000 block of S. 8th St. to check on Shafer, and police found her deceased with multiple stab wounds at the residence.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney said an arrest warrant was issued for Gabriel P. Calixto, in connection with Shafer’s death after she was found stabbed to death in her home.
The warrant charges Calixto with three counts of first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery with a bond of $3 million.
Springfield Police said they are actively searching for Calixto with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and additional agencies.
According to the Springfield Police Department, they meet with the US Marshals and are still actively searching for Calixto.
Remember that US Marshals thing because it’s gonna come up later in the post.
Shafer has been described as a young woman intent on making a difference. She was the membership chair of the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group, an incoming board member for the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network, a former organizer with Faith Coalition for the Common Good, and an active volunteer with countless other community groups.
“Emma loved to travel, making trips for both pleasure and service to California, New York, Europe, and South Africa. But, she was committed to her hometown of Springfield, and passionate about the concept of Planning to Stay — the idea that every decision made today should be driven by how it will affect future generations,” according to her obituary.
“Emma was a life-long activist. Even as a child, she tended to go sit with the kid eating lunch alone and recruit her friends to join them. She recognized inequities in the way certain classmates were treated and spoke up to ask adults to realize the harm they were causing.”
It adds her long-term plans included hosting of redlining tours to explain the history and impact of racially discriminatory city planning in Springfield. She hosted weekly “soup night” gatherings in her home, bringing together advocates she believed needed to know each other.
* After a large crowd showed up near the governor’s mansion to protest Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s press conference, her handlers moved the event to near the home of Emma Shafer’s parents. Noem abruptly ended the press conference when protesters drew near, as you can see if you click here and skip to near the end of the video.
Emma Shafer’s mom was actually at the anti-Noem protest and was visibly in tears, Isabel told me.
The one thing that I would like to say is we still we’re standing on the street because of Emma Shaffer. She lost her life to an illegal alien that’s still out at large, probably in this state. We can’t confirm that because we, the local law enforcement and the state law enforcement are barred by state law, with the support of Governor Pritzker for sharing any information with our ICE officers or HSI officers, this is the individual who killed Emma. And I would ask you to implore your leaders here at the State to participate with us so we can bring him in before he kills someone else. He stabbed her repeatedly over and over again. She lost her life, and her killer is still loose today. So I would ask that you continue to go to Governor Pritzker and tell him to change his laws so that individuals like that can be brought to justice.
Remember, the US Marshal’s office and other agencies have been working with the Springfield police on this case since the very beginning.
And let’s be clear,Calixto was a very bad guy. But it’s highly doubtful that the Emma Shafer who so many people knew during her life would’ve approved of Noem’s using her for rhetorical gain. The appearance of Shafer’s mom at the protest solidifies that belief.
* Let’s go back to the planned event outside the governor’s mansion, a month after the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion was ransacked by an intruder. It turns out, the City of Springfield denied a permit to the Illinois Environmental Council to hold an event in that same space earlier this year. From a March 20 City of Springfield email to the IEC…
I apologize for the delay as well as being unable to move forward with a permit for this location.
I was under the impression we were able to entertain new requests but with the status of the block we are not issuing permits to events that are not recurring annual special events that are already on the calendar.
I would be able to move forward with permitting for the area around the Lincoln Statue if you are able to secure permitting through the state for that.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
I’ve asked a city spokesperson why a permit (if any) was issued to Noem, and if a permit was issued for the event near the Shafer home. I have not yet heard back. I’ll let you know when I know.
…Adding… The response from the city spokesperson…
There were no permits applied for or issued by the City of Springfield for the location in question. Additionally, no permission was given by the City to hold an event at any private residence. The Springfield Police Department confirmed they were unaware of the planned routes or locations taken by Secretary Noem.
* Related…
* Be Like Emma Dress Resale keeping Emma Shafer’s legacy alive: “She wanted to change the world…” said Lucy Schmadeke, sophomore at Springfield High School. “She would always say Lucy and I are going to change the world together and we’re going to make a difference.” Now, Schmadeke is making that difference in Central Illinois. Schmadeke recalls how kind, intelligent, and determined her friend, and babysitter, Emma Shafer was. “She very quickly became someone that I thought of as a big sister…” added Schmadeke.
This press conference will highlight how sanctuary policies in Illinois have unleashed violence on American citizens — including rape, sexual assault, murder, shoplifting, and more — while shielding illegal aliens responsible from facing consequence.
It’s scheduled to begin at 10 this morning. Watch it live here…
* Governor Pritzker’s office had a snark-filed response to Noem’s visit…
As you may have seen, DHS advised Sec. Noem will visit to Illinois tomorrow. As far as we know, these are the events we are aware of with tentative times. As noted below, the Secretary’s team does not communicate with us so if you have questions about the official schedule reach out to DHS: MediaInquiry@hq.dhs.gov.
FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Daily Public Schedule for Secretary Kristi Noem
Tomorrow, Secretary Kristi Neom will visit Springfield. Despite the Trump Administration being in office for more than 100 days and falsely accusing Illinois of not following federal and state law, Secretary Noem and her team does
not communicate with the State of Illinois and has not asked for support or coordination to enforce immigration laws.
To ensure media can cover this reality television style of governance, the State is advising the following events on her behalf:
Secretary Noem to Arrive in Springfield
Location: Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Springfield, IL
Event Time: 7:30 AM CT
What: Secretary Noem has often been spotted on television cosplaying law enforcement officers, so media are invited to capture her latest costume upon arrival.
Secretary Noem to Visit Regional DHS Office
Location: 3101 Constitution Drive, Springfield, IL 62704
Event Time: 8:30 AM CT
What: Despite numerous instances the Trump Administration has ignored the Constitution, Secretary Noem will ironically visit an office located on Constitution Drive. She is not expected to address the parts of the Constitution
that guarantee the right to due process in the United States of America.
Secretary Noem to Host Press Conference
Location: Governor’s Mansion, Springfield, IL
Event Time: 10:00 AM CT
What: This press conference will highlight how the State of Illinois continues to follow the law, despite the Trump Administration’s continued lies to the contrary. While they claim bipartisan public safety laws in Illinois “unleash violence,” Illinois will continue to ensure law enforcement can focus on doing their jobs well while empowering all members of the public, regardless of immigration status, to feel comfortable calling police officers and emergency services if they are in need of help. The State of Illinois has been clear: violent criminals without documentation have no place in our state or our country.
Note: We would urge all pet owners in the region to make sure all of your beloved animals are under watchful protection while the Secretary is in the region.
The governor’s last jab references Noem’s book, which includes a story about killing a Cricket, a 14 month old dog, she “hated.”
* US Rep. Lauren Underwood also got some swings in yesterday when Noem testified before a House panel. From Rep. Lauren Underwood…
This afternoon, Representative Lauren Underwood, Ranking Member of the Committee on Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem about the Trump Administration’s failure to follow the law and ensure that the programs and services that protect the American people are fully equipped to achieve their mission.
Throughout the hearing, Noem repeatedly failed to provide answers on the Administration’s illegal and unconstitutional actions to freeze, terminate, and even claw back federal grants and awards that have already been signed into law. Underwood explained how these actions have undermined the constitution and weakened DHS’s core mission of protecting the homeland and keeping Americans safe.
“[We are] three months into this Administration, [and] America is more vulnerable than it has ever been. Our homeland is not secure. The Trump Administration’s actions have pushed us to an unprecedented and sobering moment. America is a democracy, not a dictatorship.” said Ranking Member Underwood. “In a democracy, we are organized around the rule of law and those laws are based on a core set of constitutional rights. As we endeavor to secure the homeland, we must continue to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
* Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wasn’t too happy yesterday when Secretary Noem announced that people without REAL ID can still board airplanes. He’s holding his own press conference right after hers…
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will hold a press availability to criticize U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield on the day that REAL ID enforcement begins.
“For months, Secretary Noem has been calling the May 7 date a ‘deadline,’ implying that Americans must have a ‘REAL ID’ or they cannot board any U.S.-based flights without a valid passport, which has sent people scrambling to get one ahead of tomorrow,” Giannoulias said. “For the past several months, this has resulted in long lines, frustration and – in many cases – pure panic among residents.”
“Instead of flying across the country to perform campaign-style political stunts designed to traumatize people and promote herself, she should do her damn job!”
Where:
Outside Secretary of State Police District 3 Headquarters
421 E. Capitol Ave.
(Across from Governor’s Mansion)
When:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
10:30 a.m.
* Meanwhile… From Pritzker spokesperson Alex Gough…
The Illinois Trust Act – which was bipartisan and signed into law by a Republican – is fully compliant with federal law. Despite the rhetoric of Republicans in Congress, this public safety law ensures law enforcement can focus on doing their jobs well while empowering all members of the public, regardless of immigration status, to feel comfortable calling police officers and emergency services if they are in need of help.
Governor Pritzker will voluntarily appear before Congress on June 12 to discuss his track record on public safety and the implementation of bipartisan state laws.
…Adding… Veronica Castro, deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights…
“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because it’s what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”
Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s attempted publicity stunt in Illinois:
“Unlike Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, Illinois follows the law.
The Trump Administration is violating the United States Constitution, denying people due process, and disappearing law-abiding neighbors – including children who are U.S. citizens. Yet, they are taking no real action to promote public safety and deport violent criminals within the clear and defined legal process.
Trump-Noem publicity stunts do not make our communities safer or our immigration system smarter. 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.
Secretary Noem must have not realized she was visiting during Latino Unity Day where we come together celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Today, Secretary Noem was met by a force stronger than her: the people of Illinois.
Illinoisans are sending a clear message to Trump’s lackeys that we will not let you mess with us without a resistance.”
…Adding… Emma Shafer’s mom was actually at the protest against Noem’s visit…
Noem invoked the murder of Springfield activist Emma Shafer. Shafer was an advocate for progressive causes, which Noem was unaware of. Some of her friends protested down the block #twillhttps://t.co/VrLeMJ3d1gpic.twitter.com/Xgtw7Phh8M
Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield:
“Secretary Noem’s visit to Springfield was nothing more than political theater—something she’s all too familiar with. Of course, I believe that anyone who commits violent crimes should be held accountable. Unfortunately, today’s visit does nothing to further that cause or make us safer. The secretary should focus on doing her job and upholding the rule of law, rather than holding unnecessary press conferences.
“What she has done is create a distraction—a distraction from the Trump Administration’s failed policies that are driving up costs for seniors, starting trade wars, and threatening to strip away health care and food assistance from our rural communities. The American people deserve real leadership, not empty gestures.”
* Press release…
Following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield today, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie released the following statement:
“Illinois must abandon its sanctuary state policies that have emboldened criminals, harmed families, and wasted billions in taxpayer dollars.
“Instead of doing his job to protect Illinois families, Governor Pritzker is focused on pandering to liberal primary voters for an election that’s three years away.
“Governor Pritzker’s relentless defiance of the federal government is not leadership—it’s reckless. And Illinois families are paying the price.”
* Press release…
Following the Secretary of Homeland Security’s visit to Illinois, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), released the following statement condemning the federal administration’s ongoing immigration failures:
“Today’s visit from Secretary Noem is a staged performance meant to distract from the cruelty, chaos and moral failure that have defined this administration’s approach to immigration. Let’s call this what it is: a desperate attempt to shift blame onto the very communities showing the compassion, humanity and responsibility this administration lacks in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
“Illinois is a welcoming state, built on bipartisan state immigration policy, and we say that with pride. We don’t turn our backs on people because of where they were born or what language they speak. While this administration sows fear and division, we in Illinois choose unity, dignity and hope.
“We have watched this administration weaponize immigration to score points and distract from its own inability to lead. We have watched them rip families apart, detain children and treat human beings like political pawns. Now, they want to come to our state and lecture us on how to respond. We reject that entirely.
“Illinois will not apologize for standing with immigrant communities, and we will not be bullied into abandoning the values that define us. This moment demands more than empty visits and rehearsed talking points – it demands action rooted in decency and leaders who see people, not problems.
“Here in Illinois, we choose to move forward. We will to not back down – not now, not ever.”
* Press release…
Statement from Veronica Castro, deputy director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:
“Secretary Noem’s stunt in Springfield today is meant to scare Illinoisans and pit neighbors against one another, but we refuse to let the Trump administration divide us. Illinois is a welcoming state because it’s what our communities – both immigrants and allies – have long supported and organized to make a reality. As Trump and his administration try to make Illinois comply in advance with their repressive deportation campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to working together across communities to make our state safe and welcoming for all people.”
…Adding… Press release…
The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield this week, viewing it as yet another attempt by this administration to instill fear within our Latino and immigrant communities. In response, the ILLC released the following statement:
“It is both sinister and cowardly that Noem would choose Latino Unity Day—a celebration of community advocacy—to undermine immigrant voices. This calculated move aims to fuel anxiety and polarization while exploiting our resilience for political gain.
“The federal administration’s troubling actions reflect a pattern of disrespect, particularly evident in allegations of detaining immigrants without due process. In Illinois, we stand firm in our commitment to protect immigrant communities under the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement.
“Despite continuous attacks, our communities remain committed to building an inclusive Illinois. We refuse to yield to oppression or the dehumanizing agenda of the federal administration. Their prioritization of harm over support for working-class families reveals a systemic racism that we must challenge. The hyper-criminalization of our people leads to the militarization of Black and Brown communities, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
“Actions like this underscore why Latino Unity Day remains as vital as ever. Despite this clear attempt to overshadow our voices, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus will continue our unwavering commitment to advancing legislation that protects and empowers our community.”
…Adding… Governor’s office fact check…
Noem: In 2021, Pritzker ordered local officials to stop cooperating and working with our ICE officers.
FACT: The bipartisan Illinois TRUST Act was signed by Republican Governor Bruce Rauner in 2017 and was strengthen by Governor Pritzker in 2021. and prevents local law from enforcing federal civil immigration law so our law enforcement can focus on THEIR jobs – keeping our communities safe. No Illinois laws prevent local law enforcement from providing assistance to federal officials when they have a federal
criminal warrant.
Noem: This governor has bragged about Illinois being a firewall against President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda, and it is very clear that he is violating the Constitution of the United States.
Noem: Governors like JB Pritzker don’t care if gang bangers and murderers, rapists and pedophiles roam free in his state. If they are here illegally, he’s going to protect them.
FACT: Gov. Pritzker has repeatedly said convicted violent criminals who are undocumented should be deported. In the United States, deportation should follow the legal process and ensure access to due process. Deportation is not making individuals disappear or tearing apart families because of someone’s tattoos. The State of Illinois does not prevent federal authorities from coming to jails with a federal criminal warrant to remove these individuals.
This morning, a broad and racially diverse group of Illinois community and government leaders gathered at the Illinois State Capitol to deliver a response to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who dropped in briefly to hold a press conference in Springfield where she purposely made false claims about sanctuary policies in Illinois and denigrated immigrants. In their response, leaders were clear and unequivocal about their unified support for Illinois’ immigrant community and lambasted Secretary Noem’s politically motivated and gratuitous stunt and Trump policies that threaten our democracy.
Today’s events also take place as nearly 1,000 Latinos and allies from across the state gather in Springfield for the 15th annual Latino Unity Day, the largest Latino advocacy event in the state, where attendees participate in advocacy, learn about issues impacting Latino communities in Illinois. This year’s event will address the challenges facing Illinois in light of unprecedented attacks from the federal government.
Leaders from community organizations throughout the state, labor, and representatives from the Black, Asian, and Latino caucuses showed their support and helped deliver an important message that hate has no home in Illinois and that they would unite to protect immigrants and everyone in Illinois. […]
Selected Quotes from State Government Leaders […]
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
“I represent the 39th Senate district, a district as diverse as this collection of friends and legislators, but also contains some of the most established and vibrant Latino communities in our state. I’m honored to join you, not just in protest, but in power. We gather here to show our unity, our resilience and our love and support of our families and our future. There are those who choose to weaponize fear, to turn government agencies into engines of cruelty and hate. So many people have used that word ‘cruelty.’ This is cruelty for the sake of being cruel. Instead of doing their jobs, they are dividing our country and yet here we are gathered in unity. We stand together, working, dreaming, voting, winning. They struggle with walls; we succeed with bridges… We aren’t going anywhere. Our unity is our strength, our superpower. It is my honor and duty to stand with you here today.”
Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives Emanuel Chris Welch
“In 2017 I was proud to stand and be the lead sponsor of the Illinois TRUST Act. There’s a great statue behind me of Abraham Lincoln, one of Illinois’s greatest sons. President Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘put your feet in the right place and then stand firm. I am honored to stand here today with this diverse coalition of people who stand firm behind the Illinois TRUST Act… The dystopian vision of Illinois that Secretary Noem outlined today bore no resemblance to the communities we represent here today. Just as the policies the Trump administration is pushing bear no resemblance to the America that we know… This is a state where hate has no home here, fear has no home here. They don’t know that in the Donald Trump/Noem administrations. They don’t know that we are proud of this diverse state that we live in. Diversity is our strength and our power comes from being united in our fight to make sure Illinois continues to be a welcoming state.”
*CBS | Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s office slams, mocks Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ahead of visit: Earlier Tuesday, Pritzker confirmed he would testify before Congress next month about Illinois’ sanctuary laws. The hearing by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on June 12 comes after Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky), the panel’s chairman, last month called on Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and New York Mayor Kathy Hochul to come before the committee.
* Tribune | Gov. JB Pritzker to testify before Congress on Illinois’ ‘sanctuary’ immigration policies: Last month, Comer sent a letter inviting the governors to appear before the committee May 15 to discuss their states’ “sanctuary policies.” The request came about a month after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of New York, Boston and Denver, testified before the same committee about similar policies in their cities. Johnson touted Chicago’s downward trend in crime in his opening statement. He went on to argue throughout the six-hour session that the city’s long-standing policy blocking local police from assisting in federal immigration enforcement in fact makes communities safer.
* NBC Chicago | Noem visit to Springfield draws sarcastic response from Pritzker’s office: Rep. Mary Miller went a step further on Tuesday, calling on Illinois sheriffs to “defy…state sanctuary laws,” and to cooperate with ICE to deport individuals in the country without legal status. “I call on every local sheriff in Illinois to defy these dangerous directives, cooperate with ICE, and support President Trump’s deportation efforts,” she said in an interview with Fox News. “We must act now before one more innocent American life is lost or harmed.”
