ICE unlikely to scale back crackdown, sources say, citing Stephen Miller's promotion

Key Points:

• Despite significant Republican losses in the midterm elections and growing public concern over immigration enforcement, the Trump administration is expected to maintain or even intensify its aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, as indicated by Stephen Miller's appointment as White House chief of staff.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been directed to increase arrest targets to about 2,700 per day, continuing a robust deportation campaign that predates the midterms and shows no signs of slowing.
• The administration attributes recent electoral setbacks primarily to economic issues and foreign policy concerns rather than its immigration policies, and White House officials emphasize President Trump's strong stance on immigration enforcement.
• Stephen Miller, a key architect of the administration's hardline immigration policies, has expanded his influence to effectively close the asylum system, restrict refugee admissions, and tighten legal immigration pathways, while also advocating controversial measures such as suspending habeas corpus for ICE detainees.
• Although Democratic control of Congress in January may lead to increased oversight and attempts to limit ICE enforcement, the administration is expected to resist such efforts through vetoes and sustained funding, ensuring continued aggressive immigration enforcement.