WASHINGTON (AP) — In a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Democratic lawmakers slammed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin for proposing to pull U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in cities deemed “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Senators called the idea “insane” and warned that the move would threaten the rule of law and disrupt the travel industry.
Deputy Secretary said the plan was aimed at discouraging infractions, but critics argued it would create an economic crisis for both blue‑and‑red states and heighten tensions with the Trump‑era administration’s immigration agenda.
Sen. Patty Murray said she would watch Mullin closely for steps to change DHS’s approach: “Even now we are seeing some outrageous proposals.” Women’s rights and immigration advocates responded furiously to the suggestion that CBP officers could be withdrawn from airports in states less cooperative with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Mullin, a former senator, also faced scrutiny over the treatment of detainees at a New Jersey ICE facility. Sen. Chris Murphy described an inside look at the conditions, noting alleged moldy food, medical delays, and sewage problems. Mullin denied the claims, citing a recent health inspection that found no violations, but accused protestors of attacking DHS officers instead.
Additionally, Senator Gary Peters questioned Mullin’s handling of federal disaster relief, suggesting that Trump had unfairly prioritized red states over blue ones. Mullin countered that disaster aid should not be politicized and that recent approvals were made on merit.
Republican senators largely defended Mullin’s policy decisions as rule‑of‑law measures. The hearing highlighted Mullin’s prior appointments, including his predecessor Kristi Noem’s firing, and marked his first Senate testimony since his confirmation hearing in March.
Though facing criticism, Mullin did not directly answer the CBP officer withdrawal question during the hearing. He also did not address the plan’s details, leaving many senators uncertain about its future implementation.
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