More than 300 families affected by crimes linked to undocumented immigrants have urged the U.S. Senate to confirm Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The American Border Story (TABS), an advocacy group representing such families, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ahead of the expected confirmation vote.
Support from Families Impacted by Migrant Crime
The letter from TABS emphasized that for the families they represent, border security is a deeply personal issue rather than a policy abstraction. It praised Mullin for his consistent congressional focus on border security, public safety, and operational challenges faced by federal and local authorities. The group highlighted Mullin’s engagement with affected families and his willingness to bring their concerns into policy discussions.
“They are focused on ensuring that no other family has to endure the same tragedy,” the letter stated, adding that Mullin understands the responsibility and seriousness required for the DHS Secretary position.
Senate Confirmation and Policy Stances
Mullin recently cleared a key procedural vote on his confirmation mostly along party lines, with two Democrats—Sens. Martin Heinrich and John Fetterman—joining Republicans in support. A final confirmation vote is expected no earlier than Monday evening.
If confirmed, Mullin will replace Acting Secretary Kristi Noem, who was removed after controversial immigration enforcement incidents. Mullin is poised to lead DHS amid an ongoing agency shutdown caused by Senate Democratic opposition to current border and immigration policies. Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, have blocked DHS funding multiple times as part of efforts to demand stricter reforms of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Mullin has indicated openness to limiting some ICE tactics, such as requiring judicial warrants for entries into homes or businesses, except in active pursuits. He stated, “Judicial warrants will be used to go into houses, into places of businesses, unless we’re pursuing someone that enters in that place,” reaffirming his position during confirmation hearings.
For more stories on this topic, visit our category page.
