Markwayne Mullin faces conservative backlash for perceived soft approach to immigration and mixed messaging on amnesty.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing significant scrutiny from President Trump's base for his approach to immigration. While the administration announced that more than 3 million unauthorized immigrants have left the country through arrests and self-deportations, Mullin has been criticized by MAGA hardliners for advocating for immigration reform and permanent work visas. Critics, including Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer, have labeled Mullin an "amnesty advocate" for his comments regarding labor shortages. This criticism intensified after Mullin posted on social media that there would be "NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever." to counter his earlier remarks at the National Governors Association meeting. Despite the backlash, the administration defended Mullin, noting that the agency has deported over 985,000 illegal immigrants and arrested over 1 million as of July 12. The administration maintains that Mullin is effectively enforcing the laws to make America safe again.