Full Breakdown
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin Testifies on Budget Amid Immigration Enforcement Funding and World Cup Travel Concerns
6/3/2026, 12:21:37 AM
Budget Hearing and Funding Context
On Tuesday, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security at 2 p.m. EDT. The administration seeks $63 billion for DHS in FY 2027, a $2.2 billion cut from the FY 2026 request. Simultaneously, the Senate is considering legislation to fund immigration-enforcement agencies through the end of President Donald Trump’s term, a move that would bypass the need for Democratic support.
Key Players
Secretary Mullin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Senate subcommittee, New Jersey State Police, and Newark municipal officials are the principal actors.
Data Snapshot
The budget request totals $63 billion; a $1.776 billion settlement fund and a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund also dominate debate. The World Cup is expected to draw millions of visitors.
Operational Impact
Mullin warned that without local law-enforcement cooperation, CBP officers could be pulled from airports in “sanctuary cities” to secure the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark. Such a redeployment could disrupt travel for the 2026 World Cup. USCIS also announced a rule requiring most green-card applicants to file from their home country, creating confusion among lawyers and clients.
Official Statements & Responses
Mullin said continued partnership with state and local police would eliminate any need to remove CBP officers from airports. He described ICE as “demonized” and noted morale “has taken an absolute tank.” He confirmed a contingency plan to shift CBP resources to Newark if security demands and pledged USCIS guidance for the new residency filing rule.
Criticism & Opposition
Democrats have demanded funding restraints before supporting immigration enforcement, noting the legislation would bypass the need for Democratic support. Republican senators have blocked the $1.776 billion settlement fund and questioned the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization allocation. Travel-industry groups warn airport officer withdrawals could jeopardize World Cup visitors, while protesters demand better ICE conditions.
On-the-Ground Reports
Demonstrators have encircled the Delaney Hall ICE center for days; New Jersey State Police relieved federal agents, and Newark imposed a curfew around the facility to reduce clashes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources give no timeline for any CBP redeployment, lack details on USCIS implementation, and omit the FY 2026 DHS budget figure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As long as we continue to have this partnership with local and state law enforcement then there will be no need to do so,” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary
- “And I know morale has taken an absolute tank,” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary
- “sanctuary cities.” — term used by Markwayne Mullin referring to airports in jurisdictions limiting cooperation
- “anti-weaponization fund.” — phrase cited by Senate Republicans describing the contested Justice Department allocation
What’s Next
The subcommittee will vote on the FY 2027 request this week, revisit the settlement and anti-weaponization funds, and issue USCIS guidance for the new residency filing rule.
