Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has stated that judges appointed by President Joe Biden are "almost impossible" to work with, contrasting them with judges appointed by the Trump administration. Mullin made these remarks on the sidelines of the RNC Midterm Convention, as the administration continues to face legal challenges to its immigration policies.
Mullin specifically pointed to judges appointed by Biden, and to a lesser extent Obama, as being the most difficult for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate with. He noted that these judicial appointments have led to setbacks in court, citing recent rulings that blocked the administration's actions on birthright citizenship and immigrant visa issuance.
In April, a Biden-appointed judge blocked the Trump administration's efforts to terminate temporary protected status for over 5,000 Ethiopians. In September, another judge appointed by Biden halted the enforcement of an executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship, deeming it likely unconstitutional. Mullin asserted that immigration cases should be straightforward, focusing on whether individuals entered the country legally and possess the correct documentation.
Beyond the judicial system, Mullin also criticized state and local officials in Democratic-led states for limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. He specifically called out Virginia, where the governor's administration terminated existing 287(g) agreements with ICE. Mullin claimed that 50% of recent deaths in Fairfax County were perpetrated by individuals without legal status and expressed bewilderment at officials who he believes prioritize criminals over citizens and hinder law enforcement efforts.
"It makes absolutely zero sense," Mullin stated regarding the lack of cooperation. He argued that when individuals enter the country illegally, they bypass the established legal process, which he believes differentiates the U.S. from countries that do not uphold such laws. He further commented on cities allowing individuals without legal status to apply for police officer positions, questioning their decision-making.
Mullin affirmed that DHS would not force federal assistance upon "blue cities" but would remain available to assist communities that formally request it. The secretary emphasized that the administration respects the decision of individual communities regarding their level of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts.