Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin spoke at DHS headquarters on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, condemning sanctuary cities for limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration agencies. He warned that such jurisdictions create conditions for future terror attacks. Mullin said, ‘It’s tough to sometimes fight – and I’m not trying to get political here, but I will – sanctuary cities that they don’t want us to go into.’
Sanctuary cities do not block federal agents from operating within their borders, but they typically prohibit local police and jails from being deputized to carry out federal immigration work, such as making arrests or holding migrants solely on immigration‑related accusations. Supporters argue that joint operations erode trust in local police and strain budgets, while federal law still allows arrests and detentions.
The speech also highlighted the politicization of DHS. Mullin questioned why the department had become controversial, noting that under the Trump administration it faced criticism and funding threats. Polls show that about half of Americans support abolishing ICE, and between 2023 and 2025, Pew Research found a decline in favorable views of DHS.
In response, former DHS heads have called for a reset, emphasizing the agency’s original security mission. A DHS spokesperson defended the department, stating that counterterrorism and immigration enforcement are linked and that the agency remains equipped to protect Americans. The spokesperson also noted ongoing recruitment, reform, and modernization efforts.
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