The Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 23, placing him in charge of the agency during a prolonged funding lapse driven by disputes over immigration enforcement.
Mullin was approved by a 54–45 vote largely along party lines. He takes over a department that has been partially shut down for more than a month, contributing to long airport security lines and requiring most DHS employees, including TSA screeners, to work without pay.
Background: The funding impasse stems from Democratic demands for limits on immigration enforcement tactics, including requiring judicial warrants for home entries and restricting agents from wearing masks in most situations. Tensions escalated following January incidents in Minneapolis in which immigration agents killed two US citizens during protests.
Some lawmakers expressed hope that Mullin’s confirmation could help revive negotiations. During his confirmation hearing, Mullin indicated openness to modifying enforcement practices, and Senate leaders said recent talks have shown progress.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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