1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate congressional action to confront this Administration’s growing refusal to respect court rulings, constitutional protections, and lawful oversight. On June 2, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeatedly refused to commit to obeying federal court orders during testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee. When pressed by Senator Chris Murphy, Mullin suggested that some courts are “politicized” and would not state that the Department of Homeland Security would comply with judicial rulings. Sen. Murphy warned that any administration choosing which court orders to follow threatens the very foundation of our constitutional system. This is not a hypothetical concern. According to a recent analysis by legal reporter Kyle Cheney, federal judges have ruled against the Administration’s immigration detention policies roughly 10,400 times while ruling in its favor only about 1,200 times—a loss rate of approximately 90 percent. More than 425 federal judges, including many appointed by President Trump himself, have found that ICE detention practices violated the law or constitutional protections. Yet instead of correcting unlawful conduct, Administration officials continue attacking judges, questioning the legitimacy of the courts, and resisting oversight. Members of Congress have faced obstruction while attempting to inspect detention facilities. Detainees have reported severe due process violations, including allegations that federal habeas corpus rulings are being ignored and that immigration courts are processing cases at a pace that makes meaningful justice impossible. The Constitution does not give any President, Cabinet Secretary, or federal agency the authority to decide which court orders are worthy of obedience. The rule of law only works when government officials follow it—even when they disagree with the outcome. Congress must act now. Hold hearings. Demand sworn testimony. Enforce subpoenas. Investigate every allegation that federal agencies are disregarding court orders or violating constitutional rights. The American people deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that follows the law. Court orders are not suggestions. The Constitution is not optional. No administration is above the law. Defend the rule of law before further damage is done.