Padilla Statement Opposing Confirmation of Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting against Senator Markwayne Mullin's (R-Okla.) confirmation to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

"I cannot in good conscience support Senator Mullin to be the next Secretary of Homeland Security. Over the past year, we have witnessed a lawless ICE and CBP - agencies that have operated without accountability or restraint. It's one thing to change the name at the top of the agency; it's another thing to change the agency's practices and policies.

"We need more than just an openness and a willingness to talk - we need real change. We need reform. And we need leaders who will push back against Donald Trump and Stephen Miller's cruel and destructive mass deportation agenda."

Earlier this month, Padilla issued a statement after President Trump announced that he would fire DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and nominate Senator Mullin to replace her.

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