GOP Sketches 'Course Correction' in Deportation Policy Amid Latino Voter Concerns

House Speaker Mike Johnson says new Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullen will bring a 'thoughtful approach' to immigration enforcement.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Federal deportation policy is undergoing a 'course correction' amid pushback from swing-voting Latinos, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. The GOP is building 'a durable governing common sense majority for their foreseeable future,' Johnson said, adding that some Latino voters were concerned about 'overzealous' immigration enforcement. Johnson said the incoming Homeland Security chief, Markwayne Mullen, will bring a 'thoughtful approach' to the issue.

Why it matters

The 'course correction' in deportation policy comes as the GOP seeks to rebuild support from Latino voters, who were seen as a critical swing voting bloc in the last election. The party is aiming to balance tough immigration enforcement with appealing to Latino voters concerned about issues like the cost of living and job availability.

The details

Johnson said the GOP is in 'a course correction mode' on deportation policy, with plans for a new Homeland Security secretary in Markwayne Mullen, who will bring a 'thoughtful approach.' The White House's deputy chief of staff, James Blair, also sketched the 'course correction' plan, though the term is ambiguous on whether the federal government will only deport criminal migrants or all illegal migrants. Many polls show most Americans favor deporting all illegal migrants, but swing voters dislike the 'drama' of street arrests.

  • On March 10, 2026, House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed the GOP's 'course correction' on deportation policy in an NBC News interview.

The players

Mike Johnson

The Republican Speaker of the House who discussed the GOP's plans for a 'course correction' on deportation policy.

Markwayne Mullen

The incoming Secretary of Homeland Security, who Johnson said will bring a 'thoughtful approach' to immigration enforcement.

James Blair

The White House's deputy chief of staff for legislation and political affairs, who also sketched the 'course correction' plan.

Tom Homan

A former immigration enforcement official with 40 years of experience in the field, who Johnson said was 'decorated by Democrat presidents for his acumen and expertise.'

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What they’re saying

“We got a little hiccup with some of the Hispanic and Latino voters, for certain, because some of the immigration enforcement was viewed to be overzealous … But here's the good news, we're in a course correction mode right now.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (NBC News)

“We're going to have a new secretary on Homeland Security. Markwayne Mullen is going to do a great job in that role. I'm sure that he'll be confirmed by the Senate. He's a thoughtful guy. He'll bring a thoughtful approach.”

— Mike Johnson, House Speaker (NBC News)

What’s next

The Senate is expected to confirm Markwayne Mullen as the new Secretary of Homeland Security in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The GOP's 'course correction' on deportation policy reflects an effort to balance tough immigration enforcement with appealing to Latino voters concerned about economic issues. The party is seeking to rebuild support from this key swing voting bloc ahead of the 2028 elections.