Senate Committee Hearing Highlighted Bipartisan Concerns, Raised More Questions

Luján Introduced Legislation to Rein in an Out-of-Control Agency

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the nomination of Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

"At a moment when the Department of Homeland Security is facing a real crisis of accountability, America needs steady, responsible leadership. The Republican Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said that Senator Mullin would set 'a terrible example' for ICE and Border Patrol agents. This is a stark warning for an already out-of-control department.

"Under the Trump administration, DHS has operated without accountability and at the expense of the rights of American citizens. I'm fighting to protect our rights, keep our communities safe, and hold this administration accountable.

"I take my responsibility to New Mexicans seriously. I will vote against Senator Mullin's confirmation."

Senator Luján voted against Kristi Noem's confirmation as DHS Secretary and successfully pushed for her ouster. As negotiations continue to rein in ICE and CBP, Senator Luján and Senate Democrats have fought to fund TSA, FEMA, CISA, the Coast Guard, and other critical DHS functions, but Senate Republicans have blocked those efforts.

Following major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer.

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