DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin testifies before Senate

This was a June 25, 2026, hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee featuring testimony from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The discussion focused heavily on border security funding, oversight of immigration detention, and the allocation and transparency of the $260 billion in reconciliation funding for DHS. Secretary Mullin addressed issues including the construction and technology of border walls, the expansion of the 287G program for local law enforcement cooperation, and efforts to combat organized retail crime and drug trafficking. Members raised concerns about FEMA disaster assistance delays, detainee deaths in ICE custody, and the backlog in immigration case processing. Secretary Mullin also discussed investments in Coast Guard cutters, cybersecurity efforts through CISA, and the use of discretionary funds for counter-UAS operations. The hearing included exchanges on policy enforcement, funding transparency, and operational challenges faced by DHS components. Additionally, a related announcement was made regarding the indictment of 12 individuals charged with using drones to smuggle contraband into federal prisons, highlighting interagency law enforcement cooperation.