US Senate confirms Trump ally as Homeland Security chief

US Senate – (Web Desk) – The US Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday. The agency has been under pressure after a partial government shutdown and ongoing immigration enforcement.

Mullin, 48, is a Republican from Oklahoma and a former wrestler. Senators approved him 54 to 45. He replaces Kristi Noem, who was fired earlier this month. Noem faced criticism for her handling of a large operation in Minnesota, where federal agents shot and killed two US citizens during protests.

At his Senate hearing, Mullin said he wants DHS and ICE to stay out of the spotlight. “In six months, we shouldn’t be the lead story every day,” he said. He added that he wants to protect the homeland and restore confidence in the agency.

Some Democrats were skeptical. Senator Dick Durbin said DHS problems are bigger than one person. He worried Mullin might not stop ICE abuses and called him a “yes-man” for Trump.

Mullin also suggested he might require judicial warrants for immigration actions, a possible change that Democrats have asked for during funding talks.

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DHS has been without full funding since February 14. The shutdown has affected other services, including airport security handled by the TSA. Staff have been working without pay, and over 300 have quit, causing travel delays.

President Trump announced that ICE agents would help at airports to ease these delays. Although part of DHS, ICE has been able to operate using funds approved by Congress last year.