Major ICE Shift Under Miller’s Call to Action

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

The FBI has reportedly refocused on counterterrorism, reallocating resources from immigration enforcement collaborations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Thousands of agents have returned to their primary roles to address threats from Iran, reflecting heightened national security concerns following President Donald Trump's military actions against the country. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has set a goal of 3,000 daily migrant arrests for ICE, which previously required assistance from departments outside of ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

To meet Miller's target, 2,000 agents from the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service were assigned to assist. The FBI, however, has continued to prioritize national security.

Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

The FBI stated “...We continuously assess and realign our resources to respond to the most pressing threats to our national security and to ensure the safety of the American people.”

California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

U.S. military actions against Iran have reportedly influenced ICE’s operational shift, leading to the arrest of several Iranian nationals with alleged military ties. These actions have raised concerns about balancing immigration enforcement with national security priorities.

Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

Experts warned that threats have persisted due to Iran’s history of sponsoring attacks in the U.S., despite President Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

Lawmakers have expressed concerns following Trump's strikes on Iran's key nuclear sites. Some fear that Iranian-backed sleeper cells may feel emboldened to attack within the U.S. borders in retaliation to Trump's actions.

Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

Stephen Miller at the 2019 White House Easter Egg Roll, Stephen Miller arrives at Capitol Hill Club meeting, Protesters gather near Union Station in Los Angeles, California National Guard guards entrance to Paramount Business Center, Pro-Israel counterprotester at State House rally, U.S. Army prepares tanks for anniversary parade, Military vehicles move into downtown Los Angeles

The FBI's latest arrests have marked a shift toward counterterrorism in response to national security concerns. With the FBI refocusing its efforts, the effect on ICE’s daily arrest quotas and operations remains uncertain.

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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