Day 1 for Stephen Miller as Trump's chief of staff, sources say immigration crackdown won't ease

U.S. officials tell CBS News that the Trump administration is unlikely to scale back its aggressive immigration enforcement tactics following the midterm elections, citing the appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff. Republicans suffered significant losses in the elections, particularly in historically red states like Texas, where immigration was a top concern among Latino voters. A majority of voters nationwide believe the administration's deportation crackdown has gone too far.

Democratic lawmakers will take control of both chambers of Congress in January, granting them the power to investigate the administration's immigration policies and enforcement efforts. Despite this, officials at the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not received instructions to reduce their enforcement activities.

In recent weeks, ICE officials have been directed to carry out around 19,000 arrests per week, up from a previous target of 2,000 arrests per day. This increase was set before the midterms and is believed to be a continuation of the administration's tough stance on immigration, further solidified by Miller's appointment as chief of staff.

The administration attributes their electoral losses to concerns about the economy, affordability, and the Iran war, rather than their immigration crackdown. White House spokesperson Lauren Bis claims the administration remains committed to immigration enforcement, citing border security improvements and Miller's long history of advocating for hardline immigration policies.

Miller has been instrumental in shaping Trump's immigration agenda since his first administration, including banning immigration from Muslim-majority countries and implementing the controversial "zero tolerance" policy that separated migrant families. Since returning to the White House, Miller has expanded his power and influence over immigration policymaking, effectively closing the asylum system, reducing refugee admissions, and tightening access to legal immigration benefits.

While some in the administration may face obstacles from Democratic lawmakers, the Trump administration is expected to continue its deportation efforts, which are funded through a $75 billion annual allocation.