Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller warned Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials against obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, suggesting potential seditious conspiracy charges for those involved in “criminal conspiracies” to impede federal immigration enforcement.
Miller, appearing on Fox News, emphasized that any state or local official who “conspires or engages in activity that unlawfully impedes federal law enforcement” could face severe legal consequences. He highlighted the “federal immunity” of ICE officers and stated that anyone interfering with their duties would commit a felony. “If officials cross that line into obstruction, into criminal conspiracy against the United States or against ICE officers, then they will face JUSTICE,” Miller said.
The remarks followed Pritzker’s efforts to limit ICE operations in Illinois, including an executive order establishing a commission to document “unlawful” actions by ICE agents and “recommend” accountability measures. Pritzker has repeatedly criticized ICE, comparing the agency to Nazi Germany and accusing it of racial profiling. He defended his stance, asserting that ICE’s practices “take away people’s rights” and resemble early stages of authoritarianism.
Miller’s comments come amid heightened tensions over immigration enforcement, with Pritzker maintaining that Illinois would assist in deporting violent criminals but rejecting what he called discriminatory tactics. The governor has faced scrutiny for his opposition to federal immigration policies, which Miller framed as a threat to national law enforcement authority.