Senate Panel Challenges Mullin Over Plan to Target Democratic Cities’ Airports
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced sharp questioning from senators over his threats to halt customs processing at airports in Democratic cities.
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended his controversial threats to halt international customs processing at airports in Democratic-led cities during a tense hearing before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Homeland Security panel on Tuesday.
The confrontational appearance marked Mullin’s first congressional testimony since his confirmation in March, as he advocated for President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2027 budget request. Democratic senators grilled the secretary about his proposed immigration enforcement tactics and recent televised statements suggesting the removal of customs employees from airports in non-cooperative cities.
Questions Over Court Compliance
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the panel’s top Democrat, repeatedly pressed Mullin about whether the Department of Homeland Security would comply with federal court orders. Mullin declined to give a direct answer, stating only that he would “never break the Constitution.”
When Murphy continued his questioning, Mullin argued that some judges make “political opinion from the bench.” “If we didn’t think the courts were politicized then I’d be able to answer that,” Mullin said.
Airport Closure Threats Draw Criticism
Murphy sharply criticized Mullin’s first months in office, focusing on the secretary’s repeated statements about suspending international flight arrivals to cities and states governed by Democrats. “Not only would that throw our airspace into chaos, it’s illegal,” Murphy said. “Do not ask us to fund an agency that makes up its own laws.”
Mullin dismissed Murphy’s concerns as “outlandish claims” that “are flat wrong.” The secretary defended his department’s actions, asking, “What’s unconstitutional that we’re doing? We’re doing the job that Congress gave us.”
The heated exchange came after Mullin made televised comments on Fox News floating plans to pull customs employees from airports in cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Broader Immigration Enforcement Issues
Democratic senators also questioned Mullin about aggressive immigration tactics employed by federal officers under his leadership. The hearing revealed growing tensions between the Trump administration’s immigration policies and Democratic lawmakers who view the measures as overreach.
Republican senators on the panel raised separate concerns about visa issues affecting rural hospitals and employers in the hospitality industry, highlighting the broader immigration challenges facing various sectors of the economy.
The confirmation hearing in March had already signaled potential conflicts between Mullin and Democratic lawmakers over the direction of homeland security policy. Tuesday’s appearance demonstrated how those tensions have intensified as the secretary implements the administration’s immigration agenda.
Mullin’s comments about potentially disrupting international air travel have raised concerns among aviation industry officials and city leaders who worry about the economic impact of such measures on major metropolitan areas and their airports.
