Stephen Miller draws fire for claiming ICE agents have broad federal immunity
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
January 14, 2026
A top Trump aide ignited outrage Tuesday by asserting on Fox News that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers enjoy sweeping federal immunity while performing their duties, a claim amplified by the Department of Homeland Security amid intense scrutiny of ICE’s role following the fatal Minneapolis shooting of Renee Good. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told host Will Cain that anyone who tries to stop or obstruct ICE agents, including local officials or protesters, would be committing a felony — a statement legal experts quickly disputed, noting that federal officers do not have blanket immunity and can be prosecuted if they exceed lawful authority, and that state and federal courts retain the power to hold them accountable.
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