Oklahoma's Mullin Tapped to Lead Homeland Security Amid Challenges

Incoming DHS chief faces funding lapse, immigration backlash, and disaster relief bottleneck

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:56pm

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If confirmed, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin will take over the Department of Homeland Security, which has faced a weeks-long funding lapse, public blowback to its immigration enforcement strategy, and a backlog of disaster relief awards left by his predecessor that drew bipartisan criticism.

Why it matters

Mullin, a staunch Trump supporter, will be tasked with carrying out the former president's aggressive immigration policies, which have faced growing public opposition, especially after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by immigration agents. He will also need to address the department's spending decisions and repair the pipeline for sending relief to disaster-stricken areas.

The details

Mullin, who does not need any Democratic support to be confirmed, will have his nomination hearing on March 18 before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. He would take over from Kristi Noem, whom Trump ousted after a controversial 14-month tenure marked by bipartisan scrutiny over the department's handling of immigration enforcement and disaster relief. Mullin has argued that the appropriations bill provides an accountability measure in funding body cameras for immigration agents, and he has pushed back on any restrictions on officers.

  • Mullin's nomination hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2026.
  • The Senate committee will vote to move his nomination to the full Senate floor the following day.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

An Oklahoma Republican senator who has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The former DHS secretary whom Trump ousted after a controversial 14-month tenure.

Rand Paul

The Republican senator from Kentucky who chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Gary Peters

The Democratic senator from Michigan who is the top Democrat on the committee that oversees DHS.

Thom Tillis

The Republican senator from North Carolina who criticized Noem's policy of personally approving FEMA contracts and grants worth more than $100,000.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, I'm a Republican. Yes, I'm conservative. But (the) Department of Homeland Security is to keep everybody (safe), regardless if you support me or not. My focus is to keep the homeland secure.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Nominee for DHS Secretary

“Obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. Most Americans follow ICE instructions without thinking twice. These patriots are doing a difficult job under an 8,000% rise in death threats.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Senator

“He is retreating at every moment. He's trying to get away, and he's being sprayed in the face. I don't think that's de-escalatory. That's an escalatory thing.”

— Rand Paul, Senator

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.