Stephen Miller Schools the Press: Deportation vs. Withholding—and Why It Matters

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller used a press briefing this week to address widespread confusion in the media over key immigration terms. The exchange focused on a legal distinction that, according to Miller, few in the press seemed to understand.

He began by asking whether anyone present could explain the difference between a deportation order and a withholding of removal. No hands went up. Miller noted that while the press has written extensively on the issue, few seemed to grasp what each term actually means.

A deportation order, Miller said, is a final decision by a judge that an individual must leave the United States. It means the person has no legal right to remain. Withholding of removal, on the other hand, blocks deportation to a specific country where the person might face harm. But it does not allow them to stay in the U.S. or grant any lawful status. Miller made clear: those under deportation orders can only live in their home country or another country willing to receive them.

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He criticized reporting that suggested withholding grants the right to stay in America. That claim, he argued, is inaccurate and misleads the public.

MS-13, Public Safety, and Media Priorities

When asked about a particular case involving an MS-13 suspect, Miller said U.S. officials and the Salvadoran government both confirmed the individual’s gang ties. He pushed back on the idea that the government needed to offer more justification, asking whether the media disputed the person’s illegal status or the government’s authority to deport him.

Miller then shifted focus. He criticized reporters for what he described as a lack of concern for Americans victimized by illegal aliens. He brought up the case of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was allegedly murdered by two Venezuelan nationals. Both suspects were released under federal supervision rather than deported. Miller contrasted their legal protections with the victim’s fate, saying, “She got no due process.”

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He warned about neighborhoods in cities like Los Angeles, where criminal gangs—many composed of illegal aliens—control entire blocks. He linked the issue to lax enforcement and policies that shield offenders. He also cited the role of Mexican drug cartels in distributing fentanyl, which continues to kill thousands of Americans each year.

Miller addressed the backlog in the immigration system. With roughly 15 million illegal aliens in the U.S., he said, offering each a lengthy court process would overwhelm the system for generations. He reminded reporters that immigration judges serve under the Department of Justice, and the Attorney General has authority to review and reverse their decisions.

Enforcement, Costs, and the Role of Government

Miller concluded by defending the administration’s approach. He argued that enforcing deportation is not just legal—it’s necessary. He said housing illegal aliens in U.S. prisons costs far more than deporting them.

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He also mentioned an executive order signed by President Trump on day one. It directed agencies to identify countries that fail to meet vetting standards and to consider visa restrictions. That review, he said, is ongoing.

The briefing ended with a firm message. Miller stated that the federal government has a duty to protect its citizens. He said this administration will not apologize for removing known gang members or repeat offenders. He called on the media to cover the victims of crime with the same urgency they apply to questioning immigration enforcement.

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