- Reports suggest a growing distance between the president and Stephen Miller, his deputy chief of staff and architect of hard-line immigration policies, with President Trump reportedly feeling Miller “goes too far” in his push for mass deportations.
- Evidence of this shift includes the administration drawing down immigration forces in Minnesota following protests, the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and directives for agents to reduce controversial tactics such as courthouse cuffings and warrantless arrests.
- The administration also reportedly abandoned a fast-track immigration agent training programme, which Miller had championed, and marginalised him during negotiations to restore Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding from Congress.
- The new Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, has indicated a desire for DHS not to be a constant news headline, a marked difference from Miller's more bombastic style and reported demands for high arrest quotas.
- Despite these reported changes, the White House and DHS deny any fading of Miller's influence, asserting he remains a trusted aide, and a recent counterterrorism strategy still aligns with his views, listing 'violent left-wing extremists' as a top threat.
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