Diyar Guldogan
18 March 2026•Update: 18 March 2026
WASHINGTON
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, President Donald Trump’s nominee to succeed Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security Department (DHS), testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
In early March, Trump tapped Mullin to replace Noem, who was facing internal scrutiny following the killings of Americans Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in the state of Minnesota in January by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Democrats had been urging Trump to fire Noem and also signed on to an impeachment resolution against her.
During his opening remarks, Mullin emphasized the need for consistent funding and operational readiness at DHS.
"We have to get DHS funded … We're putting our homeland, and the peace of mind, at risk for the American people. Sometimes it's political theatre, sometimes it's true differences."
Mullin pledged to work hard to make the 280,000 DHS employees with the 22 agencies that is underneath him proud.
Senators pressed Mullin on incidents under Noem’s tenure.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters asked if Mullin would apologize to the Pretti family.
Mullin said he regretted referring to Pretti as “deranged,” but did not issue a apology to his family.
"I haven't seen the investigation, we'll let the investigation go through, and if I'm proven wrong, then I will, absolutely," he added.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal asked whether ICE would continue entering homes without judicial warrants.
Mullin said, “We will not enter a home or place of business without a judicial warrant unless we are pursuing an individual."
Sen. Maggie Hassan pressed Mullin on how he would differ from Noem, saying her actions “has fundamentally broken the American people’s trust” and questioned whether he would give the “green light to lawless behavior.”
"I will operate within the parameters and the policies and the laws that you guys set for me," Mullin responded.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin also pressed Mullin over the reform of ICE.
"I think it’s important that we state really clearly where you are on those two issues. You know, I think first and foremost on the use of ICE," she said.
Despite pointed questioning from Democrats, Mullin received measured support from some, including Sen. John Fetterman.
Fetterman noted his personal experience with the senator had been marked by “consistent kindness and professionalism.”
Republican Sen. Rand Paul’s opposition is unlikely to block Mullin’s advancement from committee, as Fetterman has indicated he intends to support the nomination, with a vote scheduled Thursday.
