Trump DHS Chief Under Fire From Conservatives After Immigration Speech Ignites Backlash

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is facing a conservative backlash after reaffirming his opposition to amnesty in a social media post, with critics arguing the hardline message contradicted comments he made hours earlier during an immigration speech in Oklahoma.

Hours after speaking at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Oklahoma City, Mullin wrote on X: “NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever.”

“We are a nation of laws,” he wrote. “If you are illegally present in the United States of America—you will be detained and deported. Period.”

The post did little to quell criticism from some conservatives, who argued it conflicted with remarks Mullin made earlier in the day.

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During the event, Mullin argued the U.S. needs immigration reform, distinguished between immigrants pursuing legal status and those who are not, and called for changes to some employment visa programs to address labor shortages.

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Mullin also argued the country should modernize some employment visa programs.

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Mullin added that immigrants who entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas without pursuing legal status could not expect relief.

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