Full Breakdown
Heated Hearing Over Child-Separation Figures Between DHS Secretary Mullin and Rep. DeLauro
6/26/2026, 6:32:13 AM
Hearing Overview: Confrontation on Child-Separation Statistics
On June 25, 2026, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Ranking member Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) cited the Trump administration’s record of “3,900 children were separated from their families.” Mullin repeatedly interjected, asserting that “450,000 kids were lost during the Biden administration, and you didn’t say a word about it,” and called DeLauro a “hypocrite.” Republican chair Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) repeatedly urged order.
Context & Data: Policy Background and Competing Figures
Trump’s 2018 “zero-tolerance” policy separated children from parents, prompting a family-reunification effort under President Biden. The Biden administration says ICE does not separate families, noting parents are asked whether to be removed with children or to name a safe caregiver. DeLauro cited 3,900 separations; Mullin cited 450,000 “lost” children. The DHS inspector general found ICE transferred more than 448,000 unaccompanied children to HHS from FY 2019-2023, with many placements unaccounted for. A Brookings report counted over 145,000 children with at least one parent detained during Trump’s second term.
Official Statements & Responses
ICE reiterated that it does not separate families, explaining that parents are asked whether to be removed with children or to designate a safe caregiver. Mullin earlier said President Trump “made it a point to go find these kids” and vowed to “move heaven and hell to go find these kids.” Chairman Amodei reminded Mullin of committee rules, offering a four-minute closing statement and stressing members’ right to eight minutes of questioning.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers described Mullin’s interruptions as combative and disruptive to hearing decorum. Democrats framed the exchange as an attempt to deflect from Trump-era separations, while DeLauro emphasized her long record on border issues. Social-media commentary split along partisan lines, with some praising Mullin’s challenge and others calling for DeLauro’s removal from the committee.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The 450,000 figure Mullin cited differs from the DHS inspector general’s count of 448,000 unaccompanied children transferred to HHS, a number that spans both administrations and includes children placed with sponsors. Sources disagree on whether “lost” refers to unaccounted placements or a broader claim about children missing from custody, leaving the metric’s precise meaning unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mr. Secretary, Mr. Secretary, do not interrupt.” — Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member
- “You should be put in your place,” — Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security
- “ICE does not separate families. Parents are asked if they want to be removed with their children or ICE will place the children with a safe person the parent designates,” — ICE spokesperson
- “We are going to have something resembling order here.” — Mark Amodei, Chairman
What’s Next
The subcommittee will schedule follow-up testimony on DHS budget and immigration enforcement. Ongoing congressional debate over funding is expected to keep child-separation data under scrutiny.
