Stephen Miller launched a vigorous defense on Fox News regarding the administration's handling of a controversial deportation case.
According to Daily Wire, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy firmly rejected claims that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, instead pointing fingers at a Department of Justice lawyer whom he labeled a "saboteur."
Miller's appearance on Monday morning's Fox News segment with host Bill Hemmer centered around addressing what he describes as seriously flawed reporting and accusations against the Trump administration regarding the deportation case. The senior White House official emphasized that Abrego Garcia's removal from the United States was executed in accordance with proper legal procedures, citing a 2019 deportation order.
The controversy intensified when Miller revealed that a DOJ lawyer, who has since been terminated, incorrectly filed documentation suggesting Abrego Garcia's deportation was a mistake. Miller characterized this lawyer as a Democrat attempting to undermine the administration's immigration enforcement efforts.
The case has brought attention to the complexities surrounding withholding orders in immigration proceedings. Miller explained that while such orders typically prevent deportation to specific countries, they become invalid when the individual is associated with foreign terrorist organizations.
The administration's position hinges on allegations of Abrego Garcia's connection to MS-13, though the deportee has consistently denied any gang affiliation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's accusations stem from information provided by a confidential informant.
Miller provided additional context regarding the administration's decision to proceed with the deportation, specifically addressing concerns about potential persecution in El Salvador. He asserted that the 18th Street gang, which Abrego Garcia claimed would persecute him, no longer operates in El Salvador.
Miller stated:
He was not mistakenly sent to El Salvador. He is an illegal alien from El Salvador. In 2019, he was ordered deported. He has a final removal order from the United States. These are things that no one disputes. Where is he from? El Salvador. Where is he a resident and citizen of? El Salvador. Is he here illegally? Yes. Does he have a deportation order? Yes.
The White House official further elaborated on the legal framework supporting the deportation decision:
Now some have said, 'well, but he had a thing called a withholding order' – so a withholding order means you've been ordered deported, but an immigration judge is saying you cannot go back to a particular country. Here's the thing: if you are a member of a foreign terrorist organization, you cannot have a withholding order.
The case has sparked intense debate about the implementation of immigration policies and the internal dynamics within federal agencies. Law enforcement sources indicate that local police played a crucial role in providing information about Abrego Garcia's alleged gang connections.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and due process considerations. Various advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the reliability of confidential informant testimony in immigration cases.
The administration maintains its position that proper procedures were followed throughout the deportation process, despite the internal DOJ dispute that led to the termination of the involved attorney.
The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador, initially questioned due to a DOJ lawyer's filing, has become a focal point of immigration policy debate. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the action on Fox News, citing a valid 2019 deportation order and allegations of MS-13 membership as justification. The case continues to draw attention to the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, gang allegations, and internal government operations, with the administration standing firm on its decision while facing ongoing scrutiny from various stakeholders.
