Trump Distances from Miller After Minnesota Shootings

President Donald Trump has reportedly begun distancing himself from White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a key architect of the administration's immigration enforcement policies, following fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents in Minnesota in January.

The shift comes after agents killed Alex Pretti, 37, and Renee Nicole Good during unrest sparked by the deployment of immigration forces to the state. Miller publicly described Pretti as a domestic terrorist, a characterization Trump did not repeat, according to multiple current and former administration officials. Advisers said Trump recognized the need for a policy adjustment in response.

Subsequent changes included reducing the immigration presence in Minnesota, dismissing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March, and appointing Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. During his confirmation hearing, Mullin stated his goal was for the department "not to be the lead story every single day," signaling a departure from prior high-profile operations.

Federal data shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests dropped to about 30,000 in March from 36,000 in January, falling short of a...