WASHINGTON — The head of the Department of Homeland Security faced questioning from senators Tuesday regarding the agency’s funding needs during a period of heightened focus on immigration policies and upcoming World Cup preparations.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified before the Senate appropriations subcommittee on homeland security as lawmakers consider legislation to provide long-term funding for immigration enforcement through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s administration. This approach would eliminate the need for Democratic support, though Democrats have insisted on restrictions before approving agency funding.
However, efforts to secure extended funding for these agencies have hit roadblocks due to Republican resistance to a $1.776 billion settlement fund intended to compensate Trump allies who claim they faced political persecution.
Mullin, selected by Trump to head Homeland Security following the dismissal of his predecessor Kristi Noem, made his first Senate appearance since his March confirmation hearing. He is scheduled to testify before the House Wednesday on budget matters.
The secretary, who has positioned himself as bringing stability to a department that experienced turmoil under Noem’s leadership, has recently caused concern in the travel sector by suggesting he might remove U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel from airports in designated “sanctuary cities.”
This potential action could disrupt international travel just as millions of visitors prepare to visit the United States for the World Cup.
During a Monday press conference, Mullin revealed he has developed contingency plans to reassign CBP officers from airports to assist with security at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, where protesters have been demonstrating against facility conditions. However, he noted that state cooperation in providing security makes this unnecessary at present.
New Jersey state police stepped in Friday to replace federal immigration enforcement personnel who had been confronting protesters at the location for several days. Newark’s mayor also established a curfew around the facility Sunday.
“As long as we continue to have this partnership with local and state law enforcement then there will be no need to do so,” Mullin stated to reporters at a Dallas news conference Monday when asked about relocating CBP officers from airports.
The secretary also anticipated facing inquiries about a recent U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policy change requiring most green card applicants to seek permanent residency from their home countries rather than from within the United States. This shift from established procedures has created widespread uncertainty among immigration attorneys and their clients.
