Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has denied Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request to suspend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state over Halloween weekend.

Pritzker announced Thursday morning that he had sent a letter to Noem asking for a temporary pause in “immigration enforcement,” saying his goal was to ensure children in Chicago could safely enjoy the holiday weekend, implying that federal immigration enforcement agents were targeting kids.

But during an appearance on Fox News, the DHS secretary denied the request, noting that immigration enforcement efforts, which are primarily targeting illegal alien criminals, would actually make Chicago streets safer.

“No, we’re going to be out on the streets in full force and increase our activities to make sure kids are safe. Every day in Chicago, we’re arresting murderers, child pedophiles, those who have perpetuated assault and pornography against children,” she said.

“We’re going to be out there to make sure that they can be safe, enjoy the holidays, spend some time with their families and their neighbors and their communities, and they don’t have to be the victim of a crime because of these illegal aliens that are in our country victimizing them,” she added.