Full Breakdown
Mullin Threatens Newark Airport
6/3/2026, 2:13:27 AM
Senate Hearing, Airport Threat
On June 2, 2026, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. He warned that unless local law-enforcement secured the area around the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, he would halt international passenger and cargo processing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Funding Request
Republicans are pushing a $72 billion supplemental request to extend President Donald Trump’s mass-deportation program through 2028, on top of the $170 billion approved in 2025, and a contested $1.8 billion settlement fund for Trump allies; a separate amendment cites $1.776 billion.
Detention Levels
ICE held about 56,000 detainees last week, down from a peak of 68,000 but still above the 40,000 in custody in January 2025. Mullin said DHS aims to surge capacity to 100,000 detainees, including 30,000 beds for children and parents—more than ten times current capacity.
World Cup Impact
Airlines warned that halting border processing at Newark could strand thousands of tourists, disrupt cargo, and cause chaos during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11. Eight matches will be staged at MetLife Stadium, a short drive from the airport.
Official Statements
Mullin urged Democrats to fund ICE and Border Patrol, arguing they have not funded his officers and that agents are willing to work for free. He said state and local police cooperation avoided airport suspension and emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding the Constitution. Newark’s mayor imposed a curfew around Delaney Hall, and New Jersey State Police sealed the protest area.
Criticism
Sen. Chris Murphy, the subcommittee’s top Democrat, said the agency violates the Constitution daily and has not improved. Democrats have called for reforms after reports of tear-gas use, family arrests, and detentions of U.S. citizens. Airline groups warned that airport shutdowns would jeopardize World Cup logistics.
Conflicts
Sources differ on the settlement fund—$1.8 billion versus $1.776 billion—and on detainee counts, citing 56,000 and 68,000 for different weeks. No public breakdown shows how the $72 billion request would be split among ICE, Border Patrol, and other components.
Quotes
- “You haven’t funded my officers.” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS
- “Nothing has really gotten better. Every single day, this agency is violating the Constitution and the law.” — Chris Murphy, Sen.
- “We swore to uphold the Constitution, just like you swore to uphold the Constitution.” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS
- “If needed, I have a plan to pull CBP officers from airports to help with security at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey.” — Markwayne Mullin, DHS
Next Steps
Mullin will testify before the House Appropriations Committee on immigration funding later this week. Lawmakers will consider the $72 billion request before the World Cup kickoff on June 11, while DHS reviews redeploying CBP officers from airports to the Newark detention center.
