American politician and businessman, DHS secretary since 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 26, a UK-born US Navy veteran linked to a spate of shootings near Atlanta, has been found unresponsive in his jail cell and pronounced dead. Authorities say there is no foul play suspected. He faced malice murder and other charges in connection with attacks that killed a Homeland Security employee and another woman and injured a man.
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 report a recalibration of U.S. immigration enforcement. The administration has moved away from highly publicized tactics while maintaining deportation targets. ICE arrests have declined nationally since leadership changes in late January, though pockets of activity persist in several states.
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.
Multiple recent reports have revealed unsafe conditions across U.S. immigration detention sites and a rising death rate since January 2025. Federal watchdog and medical examiner findings have shown missing evidence, inadequate medical care, suicides and a homicide ruling after a Haitian asylum seeker died days after release. Protests and hunger strikes are escalating at privately run centres.
Security planning for the 2026 World Cup has become a sprawling, cross-border operation. Federal, state and local agencies are coordinating with private partners to monitor drone threats, deploy counter-drone tech, and protect venues, teams and dignitaries across 11 U.S. host cities, three countries and 16 venues.
The United States has expanded deportations of third‑country nationals under deals with multiple countries, including Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. Rights groups warn of abuses as deportees face uncertain futures after removal from the U.S., with many lacking ties to the destination nations.
New Jersey officials have renewed access to the Delaney Hall detention center amid protests and legal action. Detainees’ families are visiting under constrained conditions as demonstrations continue outside the facility.
The World Cup is underway with a heightened security posture. Federal and local agencies have deployed counter-drone measures in all host cities, aiming to prevent drone incursions near stadiums. The FBI, DHS and other agencies are actively training, monitoring, and ready to disable or land hostile drones as needed.
Authorities have issued a regulatory waiver expanding border-security infrastructure across 100-plus miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, including Big Bend. CBP plans a mix of barriers, roads and surveillance technology near Big Bend National Park, while lawmakers and environmental groups raise concerns about land access, ecosystems and public lands.
U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema has extended an injunction blocking the administrations proposed $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and has ordered the Justice Department to file a response by July 17. Brinkema has said she will only dismiss the suit if senior officials sign sworn declarations that the fund will not proceed; DOJ lawyers have refused, citing separation-of-powers concerns.
AP News reports a widening probe ties multiple Puerto Rico officials to alleged corruption and interference in a key agency, prompting resignations and fresh scrutiny from Congress while the island battles outages and recovery delays.
The Senate confirms a permanent FEMA administrator candidate who has pledged objectivity and faster disaster decisions, amid concerns about partisan influence and staff downsizing.
The Department of Homeland Security has paused and is reviewing thepurchase of 11 warehouses made under Kristi Noem’s leadership. The department is now moving to utilize existing detention space with state and county partners as it weighs next steps and potential disposal of several facilities.