Markwayne Mullin

On August 3, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Military Spouse Commission, chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, to address quality-of-life issues for military families. The commission, with over 20 members including spouses of senior officials, will focus on spouse unemployment (above 20%), housing, childcare, healthcare, and deployment support. It will meet monthly at the White House and provide annual reports for two years, though coordination with the existing DoD Family Readiness Council remains unclear.

16 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 3, 08:20 PM UTC

The US Department of Homeland Security has released new guidelines severely restricting how long international students can study in the US. Under the new rules, F-1 visa holders are limited to four-year terms, down from the previous policy allowing stays as long as a full course of study is maintained. The rules also restrict changing academic plans, reduce the grace period before deportation, and count Optional Practical Training work time against the four-year cap. The changes affect roughly 1.2 million international students and also impact J-visa cultural exchange workers and I-visa media members. Education experts warn the policy will hurt US universities' revenue, research innovation, and global competitiveness. International student enrollment had already declined in President Trump's second term due to visa restrictions and immigration enforcement. The rules take effect in mid-September, with schools scrambling to adapt.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:51 PM UTC

Four months into his tenure, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing significant friction with the White House. According to senior administration and DHS officials, the rift stems from Mullin's decision to temporarily restrict ICE vehicle stops after two deadly shootings by immigration officers, a move made without White House approval. President Trump, reportedly furious, ordered the agency to resume traffic stops the next day. Additionally, Mullin's nomination of Lance Schroyer, an ally with no federal law enforcement experience and a history of unpaid child support, to lead ICE has drawn internal criticism. The tensions come amid reports of record-high turnover among Senate-confirmed officials in Trump's second term.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 07:15 PM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering ICE traffic stops to resume. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment, making her politically vulnerable. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins, portraying her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has a history of mental illness and domestic violence, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed she secured a halt to such stops from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, insisting on continuing the tactic. The incident highlights Collins's political vulnerability, as she voted against requiring ICE agents to wear body cameras and supported $70 billion in new ICE funding without oversight. Democrats plan to use the shooting and Collins's votes against her in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for enabling abusive enforcement practices. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent, raising questions about ICE recruitment under Trump and Stephen Miller.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

A federal ICE agent killed Colombian immigrant Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Biddeford, Maine, after a traffic stop. Senator Susan Collins claimed credit for persuading Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to end such stops, but President Trump quickly reversed the decision, ordering their continuation. The incident highlights Collins's votes for $70 billion in new ICE funding and her opposition to a body camera amendment for agents. The agent involved, David Brouillette, has been described by relatives as mentally ill and violent. Democrats plan to use the shooting to mobilize voters against Collins in the upcoming election, framing her as responsible for unchecked ICE abuses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:00 AM UTC

The small Texas border town of Presidio (population ~3,200) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block construction of a border wall along the Rio Grande. The town argues that the Department of Homeland Security's $46 billion wall plan would compromise the levee system protecting the community from flash flooding, violating the Rivers and Harbors Act by failing to consult the Army Corps of Engineers. During a federal court hearing, lawyers for Presidio's development district warned that replacing earthen levees with concrete walls and steel bollards could increase flood risks. The government contends no final plan exists and asserts its authority to waive regulations for rapid construction. Construction could begin as early as August or as late as October. The case highlights tensions between local municipalities and federal authority over border security.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:06 PM UTC

Voto Latino, along with dozens of other advocacy organizations, sent a letter to Congress last week demanding the immediate introduction of articles of impeachment and a full congressional investigation into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The groups accuse Mullin of mishandling deaths in detention, though specific details of the allegations are not fully provided in the excerpt. The call for impeachment reflects growing pressure from civil rights and Latino advocacy groups over DHS policies and detention conditions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:44 PM UTC

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced on Monday that federal authorities are actively investigating a threat targeting a World Cup fan fest event. Mullin described the threat as 'intimate' and credited effective collaboration between federal and local law enforcement for successfully stopping the threat before it could materialize. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities pursuing leads to ensure public safety at the international sporting event.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:59 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers and candidates are largely ignoring Donald Trump's renewed push to focus on debunked 2020 election fraud claims, as the issue fails to resonate with voters. Following a 25-minute Trump speech demanding mail-in ballot bans and voter roll purges, most GOP candidates are prioritizing other issues like public safety and the economy. North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley, a former Trump supporter on election fraud, held a campaign event without mentioning Trump's priorities. Outgoing Senator John Cornyn questioned the focus on past elections with midterms approaching. Republican strategists note voters care more about affordability and safety. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who refuse to purge voter rolls, though he lacks legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the address as groundwork for challenging upcoming elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers are largely ignoring former President Donald Trump's recent 25-minute speech reviving debunked 2020 election fraud claims, as the issue fails to resonate with voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. GOP candidates like Michael Whatley are focusing on local issues such as public safety and the economy instead. Top Republicans, including outgoing Senator John Cornyn, express frustration with revisiting past election grievances. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who do not purge voter rolls, though he lacks legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the speech as groundwork for challenging upcoming elections. Republican strategists note that voters prioritize affordability and economic concerns over election conspiracy theories.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

Republican lawmakers and candidates are largely ignoring former President Donald Trump's recent 25-minute speech reviving debunked 2020 election fraud claims. According to The Washington Post, most GOP candidates are unwilling to revisit the issue as it fails to galvanize voters. For example, North Carolina Senate candidate Michael Whatley held a campaign event focusing on community safety, not Trump's priorities. Outgoing Texas Senator John Cornyn questioned the relevance of discussing the 2020 election with midterms approaching. Republican strategists note that voters are more concerned with the economy and affordability. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to fine or jail state officials who do not purge voter rolls, though he lacks the legal authority to do so. Democrats criticize the speech as groundwork for challenging upcoming midterm elections.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 04:03 PM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's recent speech on election infrastructure, where he raged at news organizations for not broadcasting him live. Host Greg Sargent and Harvard political scientist Ryan Enos argue that Trump's anger reveals his need for media to help sow distrust in elections, a precursor to a potential effort to overturn midterm results. Trump made debunked claims about intelligence documents showing election vulnerabilities and Chinese compromise of election data. Even Fox News reportedly balked at participating in this narrative. Enos warns that democracy fails without faith in election legitimacy, and Trump may be preparing to use government power or encourage violence to undo unfavorable results, similar to his 2020 efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed Trump's anger at a news conference.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's recent speech on election infrastructure, where he raged at news organizations for not carrying him live. Host Greg Sargent and Harvard political scientist Ryan Enos argue that Trump's anger reveals his need for media to broadcast his false claims to sow distrust in elections, a precursor to attempting to overturn the 2022 midterm results. Trump made baseless claims about intelligence documents, Chinese interference, and a deep state cover-up. Even Fox News balked at participating in this narrative. Enos warns that democracy requires faith in election legitimacy, and Trump's actions aim to either use government power or encourage supporters to undo unfavorable results, similar to his 2020 efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed Trump's anger, further signaling the administration's coordinated effort to undermine election confidence.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

The New Republic's Greg Sargent analyzes Donald Trump's recent rambling speech on election infrastructure, in which he raged at news organizations for not carrying him live. Sargent argues this reveals Trump expects media to help sow distrust in elections as a precursor to rigging the midterms. Even Fox News balked at participating. Harvard political scientist Ryan Enos warns that Trump is trying to sow doubt to either use government power to undo election results or encourage supporters to violence, as in 2020. Trump made debunked claims about intelligence documents showing election vulnerabilities and Chinese compromise of election data. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed Trump's anger at a news conference. The analysis concludes that Trump needs media to broadcast his lies to spread distrust in election outcomes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:58 AM UTC

The article reports that despite a lower public profile, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified enforcement under new Department of Homeland Security Director Markwayne Mullin. Arrests have surged to 2,000 per day, with over 63,000 people in ICE custody in horrific conditions. Immigration judges are issuing more than 10,000 deportation orders monthly, asylum grants have sharply declined, and mass deportation hearings involving up to 100 cases are being held with little notice. Deportation flights reached a record high in May, including to countries like Ghana and Cameroon. DHS has also ordered employers to fire thousands of legal immigrant workers likely to lose Temporary Protected Status. Recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Houston, Maine, and Florida have revived some scrutiny, but public outcry remains muted compared to earlier protests. The article argues this quiet approach is deliberate, aiming to avoid mass protests while carrying out mass deportations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:00 AM UTC

The article reports that under new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, ICE has adopted subtler tactics to avoid public outrage while significantly increasing enforcement. Arrests have surged to 2,000 per day, with over 63,000 people in custody. Deportation flights reached a record high in May, with 288 flights to 38 countries. ICE has targeted unaccompanied minors, and judges are signing over 10,000 deportation orders monthly. Asylum grants have been sharply reduced, and resistant judges fired. Mass deportation hearings involving up to 100 cases are held with little notice. DHS has also ordered employers to fire thousands of legal immigrant workers facing loss of Temporary Protected Status. Recent fatal shootings by ICE agents in Houston, Maine, and Florida have revived some scrutiny, but public outcry remains muted compared to earlier protests. The article warns that thousands have been quietly disappeared from communities, and the administration relies on public complacency.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 04:00 AM UTC

The New York Times reports that President Trump's Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, has threatened state and local election officials with prison time over alleged non-citizen voting. This threat is based on unverified figures, with Trump claiming 278,000 noncitizens are on voting rolls, a claim experts widely dispute as false. The story is covered by multiple major outlets including CNN, NBC News, and The Washington Post, all highlighting the use of unsubstantiated data to attack election officials. Mullin held a news conference on election security following Trump's address to the nation, escalating tensions around the integrity of the upcoming elections. The threats have raised concerns about political interference in election administration and the potential for intimidation of election workers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 07:34 PM UTC

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is increasing street-level enforcement operations, stating 'we’re turning up the heat on the streets.' The statement came during a press conference on new election security measures following President Donald Trump's speech. Mullin made the remarks in response to a reporter's question about accountability for agents who violated use of force policy, amid intense backlash over two killings by ICE officers this week in Maine and Texas. The article notes this is a developing story.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:59 PM UTC

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin threatened to withhold federal grants from states that do not 'scrub' their voter rolls and implement election security measures, during a press conference in Washington. The threat came after a national address by Donald Trump containing inaccuracies about the 2020 election. Mullin also warned that state election officials who refuse to comply could face fines, penalties, or prison time. The article notes that the Department of Homeland Security likely lacks the legal authority to enforce such measures, as only Congress can withhold federal grants or mandate voter roll purges. It also highlights that voter fraud is statistically negligible, citing a 2024 Georgia audit that found only 20 noncitizens out of 8.2 million registered voters, with just nine having voted years prior.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:55 PM UTC

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced during a press conference that state officials who refuse to comply with the Trump administration's demands to 'scrub' voter rolls could face fines, penalties, and even prison time. Mullin stated that federal grants for election administration would be withheld unless states implement security enhancements and purge voter registration lists. The threat came hours after President Trump delivered a national address containing numerous factual inaccuracies about the 2020 election. Legal analysts note that DHS lacks the authority to withhold federal grants or force voter roll purges, as only Congress holds that power. The article cites a 2024 Georgia audit that found only 20 non-citizens out of 8.2 million residents on voter rolls, with just nine having voted years ago, highlighting the statistical rarity of voter fraud.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:55 PM UTC

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that state officials who refuse to comply with the Trump administration's demands to 'scrub' voter rolls could face fines, penalties, and prison time. The administration plans to withhold federal grants from states that do not implement election security measures, including securing voting machines and purging voter registration lists. The threat came hours after President Trump delivered a national address containing factual inaccuracies about the 2020 election. The article notes that the Department of Homeland Security likely lacks legal authority to withhold grants or force voter roll purges, as only Congress holds that power. It also cites a 2024 Georgia audit showing only 20 non-citizens out of 8.2 million residents on voter rolls, with just nine having voted years prior, highlighting the statistical rarity of voter fraud.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:55 PM UTC

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin delivered a combative address on election security, going further than President Trump by asserting that foreign adversaries could hack voting machines. He threatened states that refuse to cooperate with his department and vowed to use 'maximum pressure' to identify and remove any illegally cast votes. The speech signals an aggressive federal posture on election integrity, with Mullin positioning the Department of Homeland Security to take a leading role in reviewing and potentially intervening in state election processes. The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions over election security and allegations of fraud.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:53 PM UTC

The Trump administration announced a new Department of Homeland Security rule capping the initial admission period for F-1 student visas at four years, regardless of course length, effective September 15 pending congressional review. International students must apply for extensions or leave and re-enter to stay longer. The rule also restricts students from starting a new program at the same or lower academic level after completion, and reduces the departure grace period from 60 to 30 days. DHS cited oversight challenges, overstays, fraud, and national security as reasons. Critics, including NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw, argue the policy makes the US less welcoming to global talent. This follows other Trump administration visa tightening moves, including a $100,000 H-1B fee that was struck down.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:30 AM UTC

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident and former Columbia University protest leader, filed a federal lawsuit on July 14, 2026, against senior Trump administration officials and right-wing Zionist organizations under the KKK Act of 1871. The 131-page complaint alleges a conspiracy to intimidate, arrest, and deport pro-Palestine activists. Named defendants include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, former Secretary Kristi Noem, the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar. Khalil was arrested in March 2025, detained for 100 days, and missed the birth of his first child. The lawsuit claims the administration collaborated with these groups to target noncitizen Palestinians and supporters, citing Project Esther and a prior trial revealing Canary Mission provided DHS with a list of protesters. Khalil stated the lawsuit seeks accountability and justice.

1 reports · 1 sources

On July 8, 2026, an ICE agent fatally shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant and father of three U.S. citizens, during a targeted enforcement operation in Houston, Texas. DHS claims self-defense after Araujo allegedly weaponized his vehicle, but local officials, family, and civil rights groups dispute the account, citing past cases where video evidence contradicted DHS claims. The FBI and DHS Inspector General are investigating. This is at least the eighth fatal shooting by federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

44 reports · 8 sources · Updated Jul 14, 07:43 PM UTC

Representative Thomas Kean Jr. (R-NJ) faces a politically perilous dilemma after returning to Congress following a months-long absence due to depression. The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has revived a plan to convert a warehouse in Roxbury, New Jersey, into a detention facility, despite unified local opposition from both Republicans and Democrats. Kean, who is in a tight midterm re-election race against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, has not taken a firm stance. DHS initially indicated it would drop the plan after a bipartisan lawsuit, but DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin reversed course, insisting the agency will keep the site. Conservative strategists warn that supporting the facility could anger local voters, while opposing it would put Kean at odds with the White House. The Roxbury Township Council, led by Republicans, has criticized Kean for failing to advocate for the community.

1 reports · 1 sources

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing significant challenges in establishing a functional working relationship with Senator Rand Paul, the Republican chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. According to reports, personal tensions stemming from a 2017 incident where Mullin allegedly commented on an assault against Paul continue to hinder productive engagement between the two. During Mullin's confirmation hearing in March, Paul cited these past remarks and Mullin's perceived anger issues as reasons for his opposition, casting the sole Republican vote against Mullin's confirmation. Fellow Republican Senator Rick Scott emphasized the necessity of a positive professional relationship for effective governance. The discord is reportedly limiting legislative cooperation and has coincided with reports that Mullin is being sidelined within the White House. Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem following her ouster over controversial fatal shootings in Minneapolis, assumed the role of the 9th DHS Secretary after a narrow 54-45 Senate vote. The ongoing friction highlights internal GOP divisions and potential obstacles for the DHS agenda under the current administration.

1 reports · 1 sources

The town of Social Circle, Georgia, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over plans to convert a local warehouse into a detention facility capable of holding 10,000 immigrants. The town, which has fewer than 5,500 residents, argues that the massive facility will severely overburden its infrastructure, potentially causing issues such as dry water taps and raw human waste spills. The lawsuit alleges that ICE violated state and federal laws in its effort to establish the center, which was purchased for $128 million, a figure more than five times the property's previously assessed value. Despite ICE representatives stating the facility would open by June 2026, no construction has begun. A DHS spokesperson stated that the agency is reviewing policies under new Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who replaced Kristi Noem in March 2026. Mullin has expressed a desire to work with community leaders. The incident highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement expansion and local community resources in Walton County, a region that strongly supported Donald Trump in the last election.

1 reports · 1 sources

Nearly half of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) senior leadership positions are currently vacant as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches. Eighteen of thirty-eight top roles are empty, including the critical Region 4 administrator position overseeing the southeastern United States. Robert Fenton Jr., a career official, is currently serving as the acting FEMA administrator following a period of instability that saw four acting leaders since January 2025. President Donald Trump recently nominated Cameron Hamilton for the permanent role, though Hamilton had previously been fired for supporting the agency's existence amidst calls for its elimination by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump. Democratic lawmakers Bennie Thompson and Tim Kennedy sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin alleging deteriorating readiness. They claim the Trump administration has systematically weakened FEMA by forcing out over 5,000 employees, halting preparedness programs, and stalling billions in disaster relief funds. Critics argue these actions, including non-renewal of contract staff and potential 50% workforce cuts, have left the agency ill-prepared for major disasters. A lawsuit challenging these staffing decisions remains ongoing, highlighting significant operational and political challenges facing the agency during a critical weather season.

1 reports · 1 sources