Mullin vows to continue deportations after Democrats win both chambers
The Homeland Security Secretary stated his agency will proceed with removals despite the new congressional majority and anticipated funding battles.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin confirmed on Wednesday that deportation operations will continue, a day after Democrats secured control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.
The statement appeared on social media as a direct response to the electoral results. Democrats campaigned heavily against President Trump's immigration enforcement measures, with many candidates adopting the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a central slogan.
Mullin has previously disputed calls to dismantle the agency. During a pre-election appearance with Fox News host Will Cain, he addressed concerns about agent presence near voting sites. "Even in my confirmation hearing, this was brought up, and I made it very clear that ICE agents aren’t going to be around polling places unless there’s a threat," he said.
The new Democratic majority in Congress plans to use its legislative authority to check the agency's power. Lawmakers intend to withhold future funding and conduct oversight hearings. They anticipate opposition from Republicans, particularly as President Trump has pledged to act as "Mr. Veto" on any immigration bills passed by the new Congress.
Legislative efforts to restructure immigration enforcement began before the election. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) introduced the Reimagining Safety Act last month. The bill proposes replacing the Department of Homeland Security with a community-centered department.
Ramirez, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, cited the deaths of individuals detained by ICE and Customs and Border Protection as the primary reason for the overhaul. She argued that these fatalities necessitate dismantling DHS and creating a new entity.
Public opinion on immigration handling favored Democrats ahead of the vote. A New York Times and Siena College poll found that 52 percent of likely voters preferred the Democratic approach to immigration, compared to 45 percent who supported the Republican strategy.
