Homeland Security Mullin Questioned Over ICE Compliance

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin faced intense questioning from lawmakers this week over his department's compliance with court orders and its immigration enforcement practices. During hearings before Senate and House committees, Mullin repeatedly declined to commit to obeying all judicial rulings, suggesting his department might disregard orders it deems politically motivated.

When asked directly by Senator Chris Murphy if Immigration and Customs Enforcement would comply with court orders finding its actions illegal or unconstitutional, Mullin did not provide a definitive yes. He stated his department would not break the law or the Constitution but would enforce the nation's statutes. When pressed on whether he would implement court orders, Mullin responded that he views some courts as politicized, using their bench for political opinion rather than the rule of law. This exchange followed a judge's finding earlier this year that ICE violated at least 96 federal court orders in Minnesota in less than a month.

Separately, Mullin endorsed a call from Republican lawmakers for legislation to increase penalties for protesters who threaten or publicly reveal the identities...