Crucial Quote
“Is immigration reform possible? No,” Mullin said, adding, “do you really need immigration reform? Yes, you do, but can we work with the system we have? Yes.”
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Tangent
Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro revealed last week he and Mullin “worked together discreetly” on DHS’s now-canceled plans to build two immigration detention centers in the state, Politico reported. Shapiro announced last week DHS had reversed course on turning two warehouses into Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities. Mullin told Playbook he and Shapiro “have a real good relationship.”
Contra
The Trump administration defended Mullin in statements to Politico. White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said “the president has confidence in Secretary Mullin and his entire Administration to carry out the agenda the American people voted for.” An unnamed DHS spokesperson also pointed to stats that show deportations, self deportations and arrests at record levels under Mullin.
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Key Background
Trump fired his initial pick for DHS secretary, Kristi Noem, in March after criticism of her leadership style and two fatal ICE shootings in Minnesota prompted a wave of backlash. Mullin, then a senator representing Oklahoma, resigned from his post to fill the DHS role. Mullin said during his Senate confirmation hearing he wanted to repair the agency’s image, telling senators, “my goal in six months is that we’re not in the lead story every single day. My goal is for people to understand we’re out there, we’re protecting them, and we’re working with them.” Immigration officials reduced their public-facing street sweeps in the wake of the shootings in Minnesota, though ICE arrests have not subsided, reaching record numbers under Mullin’s leadership. Still, he’s faced numerous public controversies, including fatal shootings in Houston and Maine during ICE vehicle stops. Mullin also faced backlash from Trump’s MAGA base when DHS announced a moratorium on vehicle stops, only for Trump to advocate publicly for the policy to stay in place less than a day later, prompting DHS to reverse the change.
further reading
Senate Committee Approves Mullin’s Nomination As DHS Chief (Forbes)
Trump Says ICE ‘Doing Great Job’—Contradicts DHS Pause On Stops (Forbes)
How Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin Built An Eight-Figure Fortune (Forbes)
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