WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced intense questioning during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, where he did not confirm his commitment to adhere to federal court orders. His predecessor, Kristi Noem, was noted to have provided incorrect information regarding two shootings involving immigration officers in Minneapolis.
During the hearing, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) cited Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz’s comments about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allegedly breaching nearly 100 court orders, suggesting that the agency may have broken even more in January 2026 than some federal agencies have in their entire existence.
When asked by Murphy if he would commit to following court orders in the future, Mullin responded that his agency complies with the law but did not affirm compliance with court orders specifically. Murphy pressed on, asking, “So you’ll pick and choose which court orders you’ll obey?”
Mullin objected to Murphy’s characterization, stating, “If we didn’t think courts were politicized, then I would probably be able to answer that.” Murphy countered, emphasizing that ignoring judges undermines democracy.
Mullin appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee amid scrutiny regarding the department’s budget and immigration enforcement, particularly with the imminent World Cup set to start on June 11. He was appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security after Noem was dismissed in March.
As the Senate considers legislation to fund immigration enforcement through the end of President Trump’s term, Republicans aim to navigate around the need for Democratic support, particularly following incidents involving the deaths of U.S. citizens at the hands of immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Mullin had previously expressed a desire to bring stability to the agency but has recently caused concern within the travel sector by threatening to withdraw Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in sanctuary cities.
Murphy criticized Mullin’s claim to keep Homeland Security out of the news, asserting that the agency has repeatedly violated laws, wasted taxpayer money, and enriched private prison companies. He warned that the administration’s willful disregard for court orders could jeopardize the republic.
Mullin countered Murphy’s assertions as political theater, noting an increase in threats against immigration officers. He mentioned recent protests outside an immigrant detention facility in New Jersey over alleged inhumane conditions there.
Mullin indicated that his agency’s officers would not actively patrol sensitive areas and would seek judicial rather than administrative warrants for forced residential entries. He also discussed officer training, stating that the agency would return to 72 days of training for new recruits next month.
Regarding funding for body-worn cameras, Mullin said the agency lacks sufficient resources to provide every immigration officer with a camera, despite receiving substantial funding through tax reforms last year. He acknowledged a decrease in workforce morale due to a prolonged shutdown of ICE and CBP amid congressional funding disputes.
In a follow-up exchange with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mullin confirmed that Noem had inaccurately characterized two shootings involving immigration officers, describing her statements as untrue. He acknowledged that an investigation contradicted her claims regarding specifics of the incidents.
Mullin is scheduled to testify before the House on Wednesday.
Source: www.latimes.com via Google News.
