Homeland Security Secretary Criticizes Democrats Over Illegal Immigration Resources
Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin has called out prominent Democrats, including potential presidential candidates like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom, for their efforts in hosting webinars and sharing resources intended to help undocumented immigrants “resist” ICE actions.
This backlash followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that ICE would renew vehicle stops after a brief suspension related to two recent officer-involved shootings in Maine and Texas. Just a day prior, the Department of Homeland Security had advised its personnel nationwide to halt such stops until further notice.
Mullin highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting, in a social media post, that the agency’s top priority is the safety of its officers and the removal of criminals from the streets. He mentioned a staggering increase—over 1,300 percent—in vehicle attacks targeting DHS personnel.
“This reckless illegal alien activity occurred after sanctuary politicians held a webinar and shared resources on how to openly defy ICE,” he remarked.
Resumed Vehicle Stops After Brief Pause
The comments come amid ongoing tension regarding immigration policies. Mullin criticized Ocasio-Cortez for supposedly hosting a webinar that offered tips on how undocumented individuals could avoid arrest at home, work, and in public spaces. Ocasio-Cortez had previously hosted an informational session titled “Know Your Rights at ICE,” which aired on her Facebook page. Although she didn’t directly participate, she promoted materials conveying how to respond if approached by ICE, sharing them widely on social media.
“Our strength lies in our numbers,” Ocasio-Cortez argued, emphasizing that those who misuse power can’t target every individual. She encouraged people to take proactive measures, such as printing and displaying posters with information about their rights.
Meanwhile, Mullin directed his criticism at Newsom for releasing guides and sanctuary laws aimed at helping undocumented immigrants prepare for potential ICE encounters.
Under Trump’s leadership, Newsom has enacted several laws expanding California’s sanctuary policy, including funding for immigrant legal defenses and new regulations concerning ICE actions in schools and hospitals. His office also issued a “Know Your Rights” document, available in multiple languages, guiding people on how to identify ICE agents and appropriately respond to encounters.
Responding to Mullin’s remarks, a spokesperson for Newsom’s office stated, “If the Trump administration trained ICE officers on constitutional rights and ensured respect for those rights, this wouldn’t be necessary.” The spokesperson emphasized that making people aware of their rights is fundamentally American.
Additional Criticisms of Democratic Leaders
Mullin’s criticism didn’t stop with Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom. He also took aim at Congressman Dan Goldman, who had shared a video suggesting that undocumented individuals should plan for interactions with ICE, along with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, for distributing multilingual resources for avoiding arrest.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from those mentioned. Mullin reiterated the reality that “illegal immigrants will be arrested and deported wherever they are,” framing those who evade arrest as potentially dangerous.
In a social media statement, Trump underscored the necessity of resuming ICE vehicle stops, labeling them vital to combating crime. He asserted that while Democrats on the left might oppose such measures, under his administration, they would continue. “ICE must get back to work,” he concluded.
