1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security. DHS oversees critical agencies including FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection. With roughly 240,000 employees and responsibilities ranging from disaster response to counterterrorism and border security, the department requires experienced leadership capable of exercising sound judgment and ensuring accountability. Senator Mullin does not bring relevant experience in national security, law enforcement leadership, emergency management, or intelligence. His public positions also raise serious concerns about oversight and accountability. After the killings of Minneapolis residents Renée Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents earlier this year, incidents that sparked national outrage and federal investigations, many lawmakers called for stronger safeguards and oversight of immigration enforcement.  Senator Mullin instead opposed additional restrictions on federal agents, stating he would not “handcuff the agents from doing their job.” At a time when public trust depends on transparent investigations and responsible oversight, this approach raises troubling questions about how he would lead the department. The Secretary of Homeland Security must protect both national security and constitutional rights. The Senate’s duty of advice and consent exists to ensure that Cabinet leaders possess the experience, independence, and judgment required for such responsibility. For the sake of public safety, constitutional governance, and trust in federal law enforcement, I urge you to vote NO on the confirmation of Senator Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security.