Representative Seth Magaziner sharply criticized the influence of Stephen Miller on federal immigration enforcement during a House hearing asserting that the White House deputy chief of staff for policy and Homeland Security advisor is effectively controlling the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When asked about the credibility of ICE Director Todd Lyons as a witness, Magaziner responded, “We all know that it’s Stephen Miller who’s really calling the shots here.” He added that Lyons and other administration witnesses offered vague or noncommittal answers because they fear retaliation from Miller and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who he claimed are using the agency to enforce a broader political agenda.
Magaziner: They can say nothing because it's really Stephen Miller and Kristi who are calling the shots… @PabloReports: Is there a way to compel Stephen Miller to testify?
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 10, 2026
Magaziner: When we're in the majority, we absolutely will pic.twitter.com/B7xfyNRDnj
Magaziner’s comments highlight mounting Democratic concern over the role of unelected advisors in shaping immigration policy, particularly amid controversial federal enforcement actions. “They are so scared of Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem firing them for saying the wrong thing that they didn’t essentially answer any questions up there,” he said, describing the situation as turning ICE into what he characterized as a “secret police” under political direction. When pressed on whether there is a way to compel Miller to testify before Congress, Magaziner said, “When we’re in the majority, we absolutely will.”
The remarks follow similar criticism from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who called for Miller’s removal. Jeffries described Miller as “the architect of President Donald Trump’s toxic immigration policies” and a “malignant, unelected interloper” whose influence extends across enforcement decisions.
.@RepJeffries: "We intend to proceed with impeachment proceedings if Kristi Noem is not fired. Kristi Noem is a complete and total embarrassment, she's a disgrace. And on top of all that, she's presided over the cold-blooded killings of American citizens…She's got to go." pic.twitter.com/W38QUXk55w
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 29, 2026
Concerns about Miller’s influence come amid heightened national attention on federal immigration enforcement, particularly Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. The operation, which deployed hundreds of ICE and Customs and Border Protection officers, aimed to identify and detain undocumented immigrants but has drawn intense scrutiny following two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in the city. Critics argue that Miller’s policies and messaging have contributed to aggressive enforcement strategies and public polarization.
Other Democratic lawmakers have echoed these concerns. Representative Don Beyer described Miller’s rhetoric as “deranged” and “bloodthirsty,” accusing him of defaming victims of federal enforcement operations. Senator Ruben Gallego called Miller the “brains behind the most unhinged and depraved policies we’ve seen in generations” and urged President Trump to remove him immediately. Senator Ben Ray Luján also criticized Miller as “the architect of some of the worst and most dangerous of the Trump administration’s policies,” emphasizing the risks posed by his continued influence.
We all know who’s really running things in this White House. Stephen Miller is the brains behind the most unhinged and depraved policies we’ve seen in generations.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) January 28, 2026
Americans are tired of his isane, extremist vision for this country. It’s time for him to go. Trump needs to fire… https://t.co/xIem6NT1zR
Miller, however, remains a central figure in the administration. Supporters argue he has retained the trust of President Trump despite bipartisan criticism. Senator Lindsey Graham noted on Fox News that Miller is unlikely to be removed and suggested that broader policy disagreements, rather than his presence, are at the root of conflicts over sanctuary cities and enforcement priorities.
The comments from Magaziner, Jeffries, and other Democratic lawmakers underscore ongoing tensions in Washington over immigration policy and the influence of unelected advisors on federal agencies. With heightened scrutiny over ICE operations and calls for accountability, the debate over Miller’s role is likely to remain a central issue as Congress and the administration navigate enforcement and oversight challenges in the coming months.
