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DHS Secretary Mullin Draws Criticism Over Immigration Stance
Tyunews.com – Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin draws criticism from conservative voices after his recent comments on immigration enforcement and work visas. Speaking at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting over the weekend, Mullin argued that expanding employment visas for agriculture and farm sectors would strengthen the economy without displacing American workers.
“Because this narrative that it steals American jobs is true in some industries, it’s not true for all industries,” Mullin explained during a fireside chat moderated by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. He emphasized that the administration wants to prioritize American workers while filling labor gaps where participation rates remain low.
Conservative Backlash and Clarification
The response from Trump’s base was swift. Greg Bovino, former Border Patrol commander at large, criticized Mullin on X, calling his answers “terrible.” Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren added that the work visa comments were “not what we voted for.”
Mullin quickly clarified his position in a follow-up post on X, stating there should be “NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever.” He reaffirmed that anyone illegally present in the United States would be detained and deported. This clarification came as DHS Secretary Mullin draws criticism from multiple quarters of the conservative movement.
ICE Enforcement Strategy Under Scrutiny
Beyond visa comments, Mullin faced questions about ICE’s enforcement approach. He explained that the agency would avoid sweeping job sites and parking lots, instead targeting “the worst of the worst” to remove from communities. “ICE isn’t doing any raids. We’re not kicking the door. We’re not doing traffic stops,” Mullin said. “We’re simply grabbing those individuals when they leave.”
“The base wants commas in the deportation numbers, not drama,” said Mike Howell, head of the Trump-aligned Oversight Project, referring to the weekend’s controversy.
Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief political strategist, told Politico that “Mullin is the wrong guy at the wrong time for the wrong job” during a period requiring focus on mass deportations. Meanwhile, DHS defended Mullin’s approach, noting his close work with President Trump adviser Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan.
Looking Ahead: Cooperation with Governors
Mullin urged state governors to collaborate on deportation efforts while distinguishing his approach from predecessor Kristi Noem’s more visible enforcement style. “I’m not handling things like maybe the past secretary had,” he said. “Let’s work to get the worst of the worst off the streets, and then you won’t see me in your cities and states.”
DHS Secretary Mullin draws criticism, but the department maintains that his strategy aligns with the administration’s broader immigration goals. By focusing on targeted enforcement rather than high-profile raids, Mullin hopes to achieve results while minimizing political friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did DHS Secretary Mullin say about work visas?
Mullin argued that expanding employment visas for agriculture and farm sectors would strengthen the economy without displacing American workers, noting that the “steals American jobs” narrative doesn’t apply to all industries.
Why is Mullin facing criticism from Trump’s base?
Conservative voices including Steve Bannon and Greg Bovino believe Mullin’s comments on work visas and ICE enforcement approach suggest a softer stance than expected, with Bannon calling him an “amnesty advocate.”
How does Mullin’s ICE strategy differ from previous approaches?
Mullin’s approach avoids sweeping job site raids and traffic stops, instead targeting high-priority individuals when they leave work or home, reducing the visibility of enforcement operations.
What is DHS’s official response to the criticism?
DHS stated that Mullin works closely with Stephen Miller and Tom Homan to “deliver on the American people’s mandate to remove criminal illegal aliens from this country” and is enforcing the law under President Trump’s leadership.
