Markwayne Mullin, the new Secretary of Homeland Security, recently met with families whose loved ones were tragically killed by illegal immigrants. He expressed his commitment to removing the “worst of the worst” illegal immigrants from California.
During a visit this past Friday to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in downtown Los Angeles, Mullin spoke with “angel parents” who have lost children to violence. The event was highly emotional, drawing attention from various media outlets.
Replacing Kristi Noem, Mullin outlined the extensive illegal activities affecting not just Los Angeles but the entire state.
In an interview, he criticized the California Democratic Party for its lack of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, labeling it “shameful” and “criminal.”
“They’re not letting detainees fulfill their sentences,” he remarked. “People convicted of crimes are being released from state institutions—it’s disgraceful. Honestly, it feels criminal.”
Mullin emphasized that federal authorities need local and state cooperation to effectively tackle dangerous criminals. He stated, “Every life lost to illegal aliens is completely preventable. Authorities seem more focused on shielding criminals than protecting law-abiding citizens.”
Agnes Gibony, 71, shared her heartrending story of her son, Ronald, who was shot by an undocumented immigrant in 2002. She conveyed a persistent feeling of guilt, saying she often apologizes to him at the cemetery, lamenting that healing feels impossible.
Similarly, Don Rosenberg, who lost his son Drew in 2010, expressed frustration over the legal system failing to keep dangerous individuals off the streets. He firmly believes that if undocumented people were apprehended and deported, his son would still be alive, stating, “I don’t care if they’ve committed a crime already. If they’re here illegally, deport them all.”
Angie Morfin recounted her son Ruben’s execution-style murder in 1990 by a gang member who fled to Mexico. She described how that loss irreparably changed her life, asserting, “As a mother, I want people to know he didn’t deserve to die.”
Mullin spoke to the importance of maintaining law and order, criticizing current policies that he claims support “open borders.” He emphasized the rule of law, stating, “What separates us from third-world countries is our legal system. There’s a radical movement attempting to undermine that.” He initiated a strict “zero tolerance policy” against those who obstruct federal operations, declaring, “If you interfere with our work, expect to be arrested along with the criminals we’re focusing on.”
Addressing issues in Los Angeles, such as homelessness and drug problems, he contended that tougher enforcement could enhance public safety, remarking, “Your city doesn’t have to be like that.”
Despite differing views, Mullin expressed a willingness to collaborate with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, noting the need to unite for upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. “We may not agree on everything, but we have to set those differences aside,” he stated.
