Story perspectives

Democrats Accuse DHS Chief Mullin of Ignoring ICE Orders

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Democratic senators accused Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin of ignoring ICE court orders and raised detainee-treatment concerns during his first congressional testimony.
Mullin testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on June 3 2026, defending a $118.4 billion FY 2027 DHS budget request and citing a 76-day shutdown as a major personnel challenge.
Republican senators supported his stance, while Sen. Susan Collins asked if DHS would adjust visa fees and quotas.

History

Historical Context

Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act in 1996, effective April 1 1997, giving the Attorney General authority to add a second fence along the San Diego border and to boost border-patrol staff by at least 1,000 agents each year through 2001. The law also created the 287(g) partnership, now used by over 140 local agencies, shaping today’s DHS budget debates.

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Story summary

Democratic senators accused Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin of ignoring ICE court orders and raised detainee-treatment concerns during his first congressional testimony.
Mullin testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on June 3 2026, defending a $118.4 billion FY 2027 DHS budget request and citing a 76-day shutdown as a major personnel challenge.
Republican senators supported his stance, while Sen. Susan Collins asked if DHS would adjust visa fees and quotas.

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