Mullin, now DHS secretary, tops headlines as he steers immigration, disaster aid, and enforcement policy shifts amid a swirling security overhaul. Born 1977; former Rep from Oklahoma.
On March 5, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, effective March 31. Noem, criticized for her handling of immigration enforcement, a $220 million ad campaign, and the deaths of two US citizens during federal operations, will be replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin. Noem will become special envoy for the new "Shield of the Americas" security initiative.
Since March, Republican leaders have been recalibrating immigration messaging after public backlash to aggressive enforcement and two fatal agent shootings in Minnesota. President Trump has replaced DHS secretary Kristi Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin and is narrowing enforcement rhetoric toward violent criminals, while hardline allies are lobbying to restore mass-deportation plans.
As of April 3, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security remains partially unfunded since February 14, causing over 100,000 DHS employees, including TSA workers, to go unpaid. The shutdown has led to severe staffing shortages at airports, with TSA officers resigning and calling out sick, resulting in long security lines and missed flights. President Trump deployed paid ICE agents to assist TSA with crowd control, but congressional deadlock over DHS funding and immigration enforcement reforms continues, prolonging travel disruptions nationwide.
Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin purchased Chevron stock in late 2025, shortly before President Trump attacked Venezuela, where Chevron operates. His trades, part of frequent stock activity, raise questions amid his upcoming confirmation as Homeland Security Secretary. The story highlights concerns over conflicts of interest and congressional trading practices.
Multiple lawsuits challenge President Trump’s efforts to undertake renovations and name changes at the Kennedy Center and other historic sites without congressional approval. Courts have issued rulings blocking or questioning the legality of these actions, citing violations of laws and preservation standards. The legal disputes highlight tensions over presidential authority and historic preservation.
Senator Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem. His appointment occurs during ongoing funding disputes and controversy over immigration enforcement, including recent police shootings. Mullin aims to reduce DHS's public profile and focus on homeland security efforts.
Senator Mark Mullin, a former MMA fighter and current nominee for Homeland Security, faces opposition over transparency and temperament concerns. Despite bipartisan support from Senator Fetterman, Republican Rand Paul opposes him, raising questions about his suitability for the role. The Senate vote is imminent.
The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General is investigating contracts linked to Kristi Noem, focusing on a $220 million ad campaign and possible misuse of funds. The inquiry faces obstacles, including alleged White House interference. Noem and associates deny wrongdoing. The investigation is ongoing as of today, March 27, 2026.
Senator Mullin was confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary in a 54-45 vote, supported mainly by Republicans and two Democrats. His appointment comes during a period of scrutiny over DHS's immigration enforcement tactics and ongoing government shutdown. Mullin aims to rebuild trust and work with Democrats on funding and policy reforms.
Kristi Noem visited Guyana with Corey Lewandowski, raising questions about her role and relationships. Despite her recent DHS ouster, she continues Latin America diplomacy as a special envoy, amid scrutiny over her travel, Lewandowski's presence, and a controversial US-funded ad campaign.
The US TSA faces a staffing crisis due to a partial government shutdown, with over 12% of officers calling out on March 28, the highest since the shutdown began. Despite promises of back pay, many officers have quit, risking long security lines during upcoming international events. The situation stems from unpaid wages and staffing shortages.
Jimmy Kimmel criticized newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, a former plumber and MMA fighter, for his background, suggesting it was unqualified. The story highlights the controversy over Mullin's appointment and the political reactions, including praise from Donald Trump and criticism from others. The story is current as of today, Fri, 27 Mar 2026.
Ramagem, a former Brazilian lawmaker sentenced to 16 years for involvement in the 2023 coup attempt, has been detained in Orlando after fleeing Brazil. He used spy software to monitor opponents and was stripped of his mandates. His arrest follows cooperation between US and Brazilian law enforcement, raising concerns over political persecution and asylum.
The Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Markwayne Mullin, is exploring the possibility of removing customs processing services from sanctuary cities with international airports. This move aims to pressure jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, potentially disrupting international travel and affecting major airports like SFO and LAX. The proposal has drawn criticism from California officials and immigration advocates.
The Department of Homeland Security has paused plans to convert warehouses into detention centers across the US, following legal challenges and community opposition. Several projects, including in Utah and Maryland, are under review as the department considers future steps amid ongoing disputes.
Prosecutors in Minnesota have charged ICE officer Gregory Morgan with two counts of second-degree assault for pointing a gun at motorists during a traffic stop. This marks the first criminal case against a federal immigration officer involved in the Trump-era crackdown. The incident occurred on February 5, and investigations into federal law enforcement conduct are ongoing.
Todd Lyons has announced he will step down as acting ICE chief on May 31, transitioning to the private sector. His departure follows criticism of ICE's enforcement practices, including fatal shootings and allegations of misconduct. Lyons has led efforts to arrest and remove migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement.
Olaolukitan Adon Abel, a UK-born Navy veteran charged with multiple murders in Atlanta, has been found unresponsive in his jail cell. Authorities have not determined the cause of death, but no foul play is suspected. The case involves a series of random attacks that have shocked the region.
A new poll shows that half of Americans, including a quarter of Trump voters, view President Trump’s mass deportation efforts as too aggressive. Despite leadership changes, public opinion remains broadly negative, with concerns about safety and the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. The administration continues to defend its strategy.
Mr. Plankey has withdrawn his nomination to lead the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency after facing delays and political hurdles. His decision reflects ongoing challenges within CISA, which is experiencing staffing issues and political scrutiny amid broader government downsizing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted 43 individuals tied to the Mexican Mafia in a sweeping operation across Orange County, with cases spanning murder, kidnapping, extortion and drug trafficking. Authorities have seized firearms, cash and narcotics as part of the ongoing effort to disrupt the gang’s reach from prisons to the streets.
AP and other outlets show a shift in U.S. immigration enforcement: fewer large-scale arrests in some periods, but overall deportations remain high; polls indicate changing public perception of immigration, while Supreme Court cases and policy changes shape enforcement.
A string of court decisions has kept Temporary Protected Status in play as the Supreme Court weighs termination actions for Haiti and Syria. Rulings have required due process reviews amid broader political battles over humanitarian protections.
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously that the government’s interpretation of the 1996 immigration law defies its plain text, affecting how immigrants detained under the policy are treated and potentially prompting further Supreme Court review as the White House defends the policy amid growing lawsuits.
The Trump administration has nominated Robert Hamilton to lead FEMA as its permanent administrator. The move has followed a Trump-appointed council report recommending sweeping reforms to FEMA that would shift more disaster responsibility to states and change how federal aid is triggered and delivered.
The Michigan Democratic primary is shaping up as a contest over dark money and Israel, with Haley Stevens benefiting from a multi-million-dollar, allegedly linked-to-AIPAC ad push. Opponents accuse the effort of laundering influence as Democrats weigh the party’s direction ahead of the open Senate seat.
David Venturella has been named Acting ICE Director to replace Todd Lyons as Lyons departs at the end of May. Venturella previously led ICE detention contracts and has ties to the GEO Group; confirmation remains pending amid ongoing DHS management changes.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has privately warned Morena officials that any members credibly tied to corruption or cartel links must resign and face consequences, Reuters reports. The warning follows a U.S. indictment that has charged Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha and other officials and has prompted arrests and sanctions tied to the Sinaloa cartel.
The White House has pursued a high-profile ballroom project while facing pressure over the Iran war and rising fuel costs. Trump has repeatedly highlighted the ballroom, drawing criticism from Republicans who say it diverts attention from the economy.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has said the department is drawing up plans to halt customs processing at international airports in sanctuary cities, signaling a potential disruption to major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has also argued that sanctuary jurisdictions hinder immigration enforcement and may prompt changes to travel safety procedures.
Protests outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark have intensified as detainees report hunger strikes and harsh conditions. Officials have denied hunger strikes and access to inspectors, while lawmakers visit and clashes with police persist.
Bruce Springsteen has used a recent Washington show to critique U.S. immigration detention practices, calling out for-profit centers and urging action from the audience. He has performed politically charged songs and rallied the crowd around ICE and detention issues, with a forthcoming charity festival expanding the activism angle.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that training hours and curriculum for new ICE recruits will be restored to standard levels starting July 1, following criticism that the program was shortened during a hiring push. DHS and ICE officials say the changes include firearm training, de-escalation tactics, and constitutional instruction.
Protests outside Delaney Hall in Newark have led to 80+ arrests as demonstrators demand better living conditions for detainees. The facility, run by GEO Group for ICE, has faced hunger strikes, allegations of moldy food and poor medical care. Officials from Newark and New Jersey authorities are weighing legal actions and tighter oversight amid evolving coverage.
Security for the 2026 World Cup is expanding across 16 host cities in three countries. Officials say the operation is the most complex ever for a sporting event, with federal, state and local agencies coordinating, deploying drones, AI cameras and other tech, and funding for security measures totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.