Full Breakdown
DHS Secretary Claims 2,210 Terrorist Apprehensions Under Trump-Era Immigration Policy
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Claim and Context
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told the “Ruthless Podcast” that 2,210 individuals classified as terrorists have been apprehended since the Trump administration’s “aggressive approach” to illegal immigration. Mullin contrasted this figure with his statement that 97 % of individuals encountered by DHS under the Biden administration were released within 27 hours. Earlier this month, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, DHS announced it had detained 2,150 known or suspected terrorists. Mullin’s remarks frame the current enforcement strategy as a shift from “defense” to an “offensive” posture authorized by former President Donald Trump.
Background & Key Figures
- Markwayne Mullin – Homeland Security Secretary; former U.S. Representative and Senator, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate on March 23.
- Josh Holmes – Co-host of the “Ruthless Podcast,” providing commentary on DHS policy.
Official Statements & Responses
He credited President Trump for granting the authority to pursue this offensive approach, citing cybersecurity as an example of broader policy changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Underneath President Trump, we’ve arrested, so far as my numbers walking into here, 2,210 terrorists in this country,” — Markwayne Mullin, homeland security secretary
- “Most of them came over and claimed asylum, gave a fake name. Some of them we caught, but a lot of them came in and … the Biden administration was just cutting them loose.” — Markwayne Mullin, homeland security secretary
- “One directive we had is we're no longer just playing defense,” — Markwayne Mullin, homeland security secretary
- “I thought I was busy as a Senator,” — Markwayne Mullin, homeland security secretary
- “You also inherited a department that the reason it was shut down is that Democrats have demagogued everything to do with border security and ICE in particular,” — Josh Holmes
Data & Statistics
- 2,210 alleged terrorist apprehensions claimed by Mullin (attributed to his podcast interview).
- 97 % release rate within 27 hours alleged for the Biden administration (attributed to Mullin).
- 2,150 known or suspected terrorists detained by DHS earlier this month (attributed to DHS announcement).
These figures and statements constitute the publicly disclosed metrics and policy rationale presented by DHS leadership and podcast commentary as of the latest reporting.
