DHS Secretary Mullin Under Fire for Failing to Boost Deportations Amid Border Crisis
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ICE deportations have stagnated under Secretary Markwayne Mullin, sparking outrage among Trump allies who accuse the DHS of not doing enough to secure the border and enforce immigration laws. Critics demand stronger action to protect American communities.
Data obtained by Politico indicates that the number of deportations carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has remained flat this year, despite Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin’s pledge to accelerate removals. This disappointing lack of progress has fueled frustration among those who believe the administration is not doing enough to address the ongoing border crisis and protect American citizens. An insider familiar with the figures said the deportation totals have fluctuated but overall match the levels seen during the tenure of former DHS head Kristi Noem, signaling a troubling lack of urgency in restoring law and order.
The steady detainee count, reported at roughly 68,000, suggests that arrests are not outpacing new detentions. ICE agents are averaging about 1,500 arrests and bookings per day, down from a peak of nearly 1,900 daily under Noem. The White House’s target of 3,000 daily removals, cited by Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has not been met, raising serious concerns about the department’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and safeguarding the nation.
Mullin’s comments at a recent National Governors Association meeting, in which he emphasized the need to balance immigration enforcement with legal labor needs, drew criticism from prominent Trump supporters who see this as a dangerous concession. Former White House strategist Steve Bannon told Politico’s Playbook that Mullin is “the wrong guy at the wrong time for the wrong job,” and suggested former political commentator Bill Pulte as a possible replacement, reflecting the urgent need for stronger leadership at DHS.
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement noting that more than 3 million unauthorized immigrants have left the United States through arrests and self-deportations, and that as of July 12 the agency had deported over 985,000 individuals and arrested over 1 million. The department declined to comment on the specific statistics reported by Politico, leaving many to question the transparency and effectiveness of current enforcement efforts.
"Secretary Mullin has been clear: if you come to the United States illegally, you will be detained and deported. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are enforcing the law and making America safe again," a DHS spokesperson said, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to border security.
The latest figures add to ongoing scrutiny of Mullin’s approach to immigration enforcement within the Trump administration, as conservatives demand decisive action to stop illegal immigration and restore order.