White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller sharply rebuked a CNN reporter on Monday after being questioned about illegal alien deportations and local efforts to block federal enforcement in Chicago.

During the exchange with CNN’s Boris Sanchez, Miller was asked to respond to comments made by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who accused President Donald Trump of “attempting to inflame tensions and create a war zone” in Chicago by “profiling” what Pritzker described as “black and brown people.”

Miller immediately pushed back, rejecting the governor’s claim and calling it misleading.

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“The Black people in Chicago are thrilled that we are getting the illegal aliens out of the community who are stealing their housing, jobs, and resources,” Miller said.

The comments came after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be restricted from operating on city-owned properties, effectively labeling them “No-go zones.”

Miller condemned that move, calling it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement operations.

“I ask you the question: what is the right term to describe a local official declaring a ‘No-go zone’ for ICE?” Miller asked Sanchez.

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“Would you tolerate it for the FBI, ATF, or DEA? No, you would not.”

He continued, “But there’s an effort to delegitimize the core function of the federal government of enforcing our immigration laws and our sovereignty. It is domestic terrorism. It is an insurrection. And no amount of insane hyperventilating lies from Pritzker or Johnson or any other Democratic official will change our minds on that.”

As the interview continued, Sanchez attempted to press Miller on whether ICE was “profiling” individuals based on race or ethnicity.

Miller dismissed the question outright. “Oh, what a dumb question?” he responded.

“The illegal aliens who are here are taking jobs away from blacks, they’re taking jobs away from whites, they’re taking jobs away from Latinos, they’re taking their health benefits away, they’re taking their school slots away. And of course, in many cases, they’re committing heinous crimes.”

Miller added that the administration’s focus remained on protecting American citizens regardless of race or background.

“We cannot have a system of law in this country that privileges illegal aliens over American citizens, and that’s what they’re doing,” he said.

“You know it, and I know it.”

When Sanchez again pressed for clarification, asking whether ICE was “targeting people of color,” Miller reiterated his rejection.

“I said it’s a dumb question,” he replied.

“No, and it’s a dumb question… I thought what I said was a dumb question; it meant no. My full answer is no, that is a lie, and it’s a dumb question!”

NEW: Stephen Miller *FIRES BACK* at CNN Host Boris Sanchez for asking him if Trump Admin racially “PROFILING” with immigration enforcement

MILLER: “Oh, what a dumb question. The illegal aliens who are here are taking jobs away from blacks! They’re taking jobs away from… pic.twitter.com/ErrWaKpslR

— Jason Cohen (@JasonJournoDC) October 6, 2025

The heated exchange comes amid growing tensions between federal immigration authorities and several Democrat-led cities, including Chicago, where state and local leaders have attempted to limit ICE operations and restrict cooperation with federal agents.

Miller’s remarks reflect ongoing disputes over immigration enforcement priorities as the Trump administration continues to increase deportations of individuals with criminal records.

Homeland Security officials have confirmed that ICE will continue operations in major cities regardless of local resistance.

The confrontation highlights a broader national divide over immigration policy, enforcement, and public safety — one that has drawn sharp criticism from sanctuary city officials and continued support from communities demanding stronger border and interior enforcement.

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