The Department of Homeland Security is looking to purchase buildings in Chicago and Portland to assist the Trump administration’s immigration operations in the two sanctuary cities, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced Thursday.

The news comes as immigration authorities face pushback from progressive protesters and Democratic officials in Illinois and Oregon. Noem vowed to “double down” on the administration’s immigration efforts in those states by converting existing buildings into federal offices.

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“We’re hardening all of our buildings and making sure that we have more security measures, snipers on the roof, people to protect our law enforcement while they’re out there on the streets,” she said during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump.

“We’re going to not back off. In fact, we’re doubling down,” the secretary said.

In recent days, Noem has toured several facilities in Chicago where operations could be set up.

Last weekend, right-wing influencer Benny Johnson posted a video of Noem touring a large building that could be used to accelerate deportations. Johnson dubbed the building “Deep Dish Deportation Depot,” in a similar vein to the growing list of immigration detention centers with alliterative names.

Noem also visited the existing Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland to meet with local law enforcement officials, whom she accused of covering up protest violence committed by antifa.

“If we have to do it the hard way in Portland and Chicago, we will,” she promised Thursday.

CHIEF CHICAGO FEDERAL JUDGE WARNS NATIONAL GUARD NOT AUTHORIZED TO SECURE COURTHOUSE

The DHS’s search for buildings is in addition to the administration’s efforts to secure 10-year leases for new office space in nearly two dozen cities. Chicago and Portland were not included in the list of major cities published last month by the General Services Administration.

Noem’s announcement comes ahead of federal judges’ rulings that will determine whether the Trump administration can proceed with its National Guard deployments to Chicago and Portland unencumbered by legal battles.