WASHINGTON – Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin will appear Wednesday before a Senate committee seeking confirmation as the nation’s next Homeland Security Secretary, facing questions about immigration policies and national security matters.
The nomination comes after President Trump dismissed former Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing criticism over the department’s immigration enforcement approach. Mullin has consistently supported Trump’s strict immigration stance throughout his congressional career.
Democratic senators have withheld funding for the Department of Homeland Security since mid-February, demanding changes to current immigration practices. The funding dispute has resulted in a partial agency shutdown.
Trump initiated an intensive deportation campaign upon returning to office in 2025. Though the administration characterizes the effort as targeting dangerous criminals, arrests have included individuals with clean records, along with children and families.
During Noem’s tenure, federal agents conducted major enforcement operations in cities including Los Angeles and Chicago. These operations involved masked officers using aggressive tactics, including tackling workers in parking areas and deploying tear gas in residential neighborhoods while citizens attempted to record the activities. The militaristic approach sparked legal challenges and widespread criticism.
Following a January incident in Minneapolis where federal immigration officers fatally shot two American citizens, the administration promised a more focused strategy. However, Democrats maintain their funding opposition until enforcement methods change.
Trump replaced Noem earlier this month as Republican lawmakers increasingly criticized both the immigration crackdown and her departmental leadership. Mullin previously served ten years in the House of Representatives before winning his Senate seat in 2022.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing provides Mullin an opportunity to outline his leadership approach and address concerns about his predecessor’s management.
Committee ranking Democrat Gary Peters of Michigan plans to criticize Noem’s response to the Minneapolis shooting, according to prepared statements obtained by Reuters.
“It’s not the role of the secretary to be a cable news commentator in the wake of a crisis,” Peters said.
Mullin, who previously operated a family plumbing company, ranks among the Senate’s wealthiest members. His 2024 financial disclosure revealed assets between $29 million and $97 million. Recent years show millions in stock transactions, though a spokesperson notes he employs an independent firm for portfolio management in accordance with federal regulations.
During his 2012 House campaign, Mullin faced Democratic criticism regarding employment of a convicted felon with firearm access at his plumbing operation. Opponents also questioned whether the business utilized E-Verify, the federal system confirming workers’ legal immigration status.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated this week there was “no indication Mullin did anything inappropriate” concerning the felon issue and confirmed “none of his businesses ever employed workers without legal status.”
As a Cherokee Nation member, Mullin became only the fourth Native American senator upon his election victory.
Wednesday’s confirmation hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time.
