Homeland Security Secretary Mullin Draws Criticism from Conservatives Over Immigration Remarks
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin faced backlash from conservative figures after posting a hard-line anti-amnesty statement that appeared to conflict with comments made earlier at a governors' meeting.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted on X that there will be "no amnesty for illegal aliens" and that anyone unlawfully present in the United States will be detained and deported. The statement came hours after he spoke at the National Governors Association summer meeting in Oklahoma City, where he called for immigration reform, distinguished between legal and illegal migrants, and suggested changes to employment-visa programs to address labor shortages.
Conservative commentators and former officials responded sharply. Former Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino wrote that voters had asked for mass deportations and criticized Mullin for promoting “immigration reform,” saying the administration had offered “terrible answers” in interviews. Commentator Robby Starbuck described Mullin’s remarks as a “total betrayal.”
During the Oklahoma event, Mullin said the United States has not had comprehensive immigration reform since 1959 and argued that modernization of certain visa categories is needed for economic growth. He also emphasized that immigration laws must be enforced without exceptions for individuals with criminal backgrounds or those who entered illegally.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.