In these two videos, he argues for more internationals being allowed to work in certain industries; and for detaining and removing only the “worst of the worst”, not all illegal immigrants:
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: “If we're looking to grow our economy, we need more permanent solutions on [work visas for foreigners]… Because this narrative that it steals American jobs is true in some industries, it's not true for all industries… It is America. We want to… pic.twitter.com/rvq2JyyyUK
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) August 2, 2026
.@SecMullinDHS, we WANT to see you in our cities. We want EVERY illegal alien deported. Not just those who commit extra crimes, but ALL OF THEM. https://t.co/Ls64KNTYqp
— Immigration Accountability Project Action (@iaproject) August 2, 2026
Appointing Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security was a huge mistake. He is an establishment Republican. This is unfortunately an example of President Trump surrendering under pressure and betraying his supporters.
I think Mullin will turn out as you want him to be, especially on enforcement . At least, that is what I hope for. It is not too late. Convince me.
I hope you’re right, Fred. The problem is that his temperament is revealed by these statements. Hopefully, ICE and CBP are operating in a more aggressive fashion than he seems to be suggesting. The best of all worlds is that he was faking when he made these statements for public consumption.