In a statement to the BBC, the White House declared that the administration will not slow its efforts to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens who terrorise communities. The announcement came after last week’s midterm elections, in which the Republican Party lost seats but retained a congressional majority.
President Donald Trump’s promotion of immigration hawk Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff on Friday signalled no retreat from the administration’s hard‑line border policy. Exit polls showed immigration was the third most important issue for voters, after the economy and democracy, with Latino voters in traditionally conservative states like Texas swinging toward Democrats and helping secure the GOP’s congressional landslide.
Multiple U.S. officials told the BBC’s partner CBS that the administration blamed the midterm losses on concerns about the economy, affordability and the war with Iran, rather than its immigration crackdown. The White House maintained that there would be no change in direction, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis asserting that “there has never been a President stronger on immigration enforcement than President Trump.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) echoed the stance, stating that ICE is “NOT backing away or slowing down.” A DHS spokesperson said, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, DHS will continue to enforce our nation’s laws and remove criminal illegal aliens from our streets.”
Vice‑President J.D. Vance had previously appeared open to adjusting enforcement, suggesting a focus on businesses that hire illegal labour. However, the White House’s posture hardened after Miller’s promotion. Miller is widely seen as the architect of the administration’s hard‑line immigration policy during both Trump presidencies.
ICE officials told CBS that in recent weeks, officials have been instructed to aim for about 2,700 arrests of illegal immigrants per day, up from an earlier target of 2,000. Enforcement sweeps this year sparked anti‑ICE demonstrations in cities such as Chicago, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. In Minneapolis, two U.S. protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by immigration agents.
Looking ahead, the administration is set to continue its aggressive enforcement strategy, with no indication of a policy shift despite the electoral setback. The next phase will likely involve intensified raids and increased daily arrest targets as the administration seeks to maintain its hard‑line stance on immigration.
