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.
Earlier this month, Ray Lopez, a Democratic alderman representing Chicago’s 15th Ward, voiced support for President Donald Trump’s decision to increase the number of federal personnel deployed to the city, saying many of his constituents agree with the move.
In an interview with Fox News, Lopez was asked whether residents in his ward shared the views of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Pritzker, who have accused the Trump administration of “declaring war” on Chicago with its expanded federal presence.
“Absolutely not. There are many people in the city of Chicago who completely support having the additional resources to keep both ICE agents and community protesters safe,” Lopez said.
He then ripped Pritzker and Chicago leaders for having an adversarial relationship with an administration simply attempting to make the city safer.
“What we have seen is a complete abdication of responsibility, both by Governor Pritzker and by the mayor of the city of Chicago, who have refused up until this point to allow police just to maintain the peace for protesters and for ICE agents doing their job,” Lopez continued.
“We need to bring some sanity back to the conversation, and a majority of Chicagoans want to see that happen,” he added.
A week earlier, Trump ordered the deployment of 300 Texas National Guard personnel to reinforce federal agents operating
Kelly Clarkson Shocks: “I Already Gave Him $45 Million After Divorce — So What Is Ten?” Her Bold Statement on Brandon Blackstock’s Inheritance — But What Did Brittney Marie Jones Do to Make Kelly This Angry?Tháng 8 19, 2025 Kelly Clarkson’s Bold Statement: After Paying Brandon Blackstock $45 Million, She Says His $10 Million Inheritance “Means Nothing”
Kelly Clarkson has never been afraid to speak her mind. Known for her powerhouse voice and raw honesty, the singer has also proven that her strength extends far beyond the stage. In the wake of her very public divorce from Brandon Blackstock, rumors began swirling around his remaining fortune — an estimated $10 million. But when questioned about inheritance and her children’s future, Kelly’s response stunned everyone.
A Divorce That Made Headlines
When Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, fans were heartbroken. For years, she and Brandon Blackstock appeared to have the perfect marriage. Together since 2013, they shared two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, and seemed to balance family life with Kelly’s demanding career.
But behind the scenes, the marriage was crumbling. By 2022, the divorce was finalized — and the numbers shocked even Hollywood. Kelly agreed to a one-time payout of approximately $45 million to her ex-husband. On top of that, she would continue to provide child support for their kids.
It was a painful chapter, both personally and financially. Yet Kelly faced it with grace, focusing on her children and her music.
The Rumors About $10 Million
After the dust settled, new rumors emerged about Brandon Blackstock’s personal assets. Reports claimed that he was left with around $10 million, much of it tied to property and savings in Montana, where he had moved after the split.
That’s when speculation began: who would inherit that money? Would it be his children with Kelly, or would it be shared with his older children from a previous relationship? Whispered stories of disputes within his family only fueled the drama.
Kelly’s Surprising Response
When asked about the inheritance rumors, Kelly Clarkson’s answer was as direct as it was surprising. She reminded everyone of the $45 million she had already paid in the divorce settlement — and dismissed the idea that her children needed to “fight” over $10 million.
“Forty-five million dollars I already gave him,” she reportedly said. “So what is ten million? It means nothing to us. We don’t need it.”
Her blunt honesty left many stunned. Some saw it as a sign of her financial independence and fierce protection of her children. Others noted how her words shocked Brandon’s extended family — including his older children and rumored new partner.
Why Her Words Hit So Hard
Kelly Clarkson has always been admired for her down-to-earth nature, but this moment revealed something more: her ability to rise above bitterness. By dismissing the $10 million, she sent a message that her focus wasn’t on money, but on love, stability, and moving forward.
Fans quickly rallied behind her. Social media lit up with praise:
“That’s the Kelly we know — she won’t let money define her or her kids.”
“She gave him $45 million already. She owes him nothing more.”
“She’s teaching her children that value isn’t in dollars, but in dignity.”
A Lesson in Strength and Self-Worth
Kelly Clarkson’s statement is more than just a headline. It’s a lesson in strength, especially for anyone who has walked through the fire of a painful breakup. While money often dominates divorce stories, Kelly reminded the world that her worth — and her children’s future — could not be measured in inheritance or settlements.
Instead, she has focused on rebuilding her life. From hosting her daytime talk show to releasing her emotional album Chemistry, Kelly has turned heartbreak into healing. Her music, filled with vulnerability and truth, has become an anthem for fans facing their own struggles.
Why This Story Still Matters
In Hollywood, money battles often overshadow the human story. But Kelly Clarkson has rewritten that narrative. By shrugging off $10 million as “nothing,” she reminded everyone that freedom, self-respect, and love for her children mean far more than any check ever could.
Her honesty also challenges the culture of gossip and speculation. Rather than allowing rumors of inheritance disputes to dominate the conversation, she shut them down with a single, powerful statement.
Final Words
Kelly Clarkson once sang, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Her journey proves those words truer than ever.
After giving away $45 million in her divorce, she has shown that money cannot define her, her family, or her legacy. Brandon Blackstock’s rumored $10 million inheritance may have sparked whispers, but Kelly’s response turned it into something far more meaningful: a reminder that dignity, strength, and love will always be priceless.