Nearly 50 House Republicans, including leaders from the GOP Main Street Caucus, urge President Donald Trump to confirm Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., as the next Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary. The group highlights this as a pivotal time for strengthening border security following Kristi Noem’s departure from the Cabinet.
Strong Backing from GOP Main Street Caucus
The Republican Main Street Caucus, comprising over 85 conservative House members focused on effective governance, issued a formal letter of support on Monday. Led by Chairman Mike Flood, R-Neb., and Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., the statement bears signatures from 47 additional GOP lawmakers.
“Senator Mullin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to border security. His familiarity with the legislative process and his longstanding support for pro-America policies make him well-suited to lead DHS at this critical moment,” the letter states. “We are confident he will bring the focus and discipline necessary to further our shared priorities.”
Trump’s Nomination and Cabinet Shift
President Trump nominated Sen. Mullin last week to head DHS, transitioning Gov. Kristi Noem to a new position as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of Noem’s leadership, particularly during a contentious immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. That effort sparked protests after federal agents were involved in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, prompting bipartisan calls for caution.
In response, Trump replaced Customs and Border Protection’s Greg Bovino with border czar Tom Homan in that region, a decision the caucus praises.
Praise for Tom Homan and Targeted Enforcement
More than two dozen caucus members met with Homan last week to review immigration enforcement strategies. “As members of the Republican Main Street Caucus, we write to express our strong support for the work of Tom Homan and his efforts to strengthen our nation’s immigration enforcement in his role as White House Border Czar,” the letter notes.
The lawmakers outline key priorities, starting with concentrating resources on the most dangerous offenders. “First, enforcement efforts should remain focused on the worst criminal offenders. Prioritizing the removal of individuals who pose the greatest threats to public safety ensures that federal resources are used effectively while protecting American families and communities,” they write.
Additional recommendations include repealing sanctuary jurisdiction policies that obstruct enforcement, granting federal access to local jails prior to releasing criminal noncitizens, and ensuring transparent ICE reporting to Congress and the public on deportations of individuals convicted of serious crimes like assault, battery, rape, and DUI.
“Homan’s approach reflects those principles, and we believe his leadership will continue to strengthen the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws in a targeted and effective manner,” the letter concludes.
