DHS Secretary Discusses Abolishing the Department

Markwayne Mullin, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressed concerns that some Democrats advocating for the department’s elimination lack an understanding of its origins and role. He shared his thoughts during a recent discussion with Breitbart News focused on border security, public safety, and American sovereignty.

Matthew Boyle, the Washington Bureau Chief for Breitbart News, raised the issue of Democrats calling for the DHS dissolution, specifically mentioning Rep. Delia Ramirez from Illinois, who serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. He inquired about the potential major challenges the U.S. might face if these efforts were successful.

Mullin underscored the critical functions of various agencies within the DHS. For instance, he highlighted the importance of the Coast Guard in safeguarding shorelines and waterways, emphasizing that it operates under the DHS umbrella. He also mentioned Customs and Border Protection (CBP), stating that border security and the processing of international flights rely heavily on its presence.

Additionally, he pointed out the role of the Secret Service, detailing how it is responsible for protecting dignitaries and events where the president is present. Mullin went on to mention other agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), asserting that they play vital roles in maintaining safety during high-profile events and managing immigration processes respectively. He also remarked on the growing significance of cybersecurity, alluding to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the constant threat of cyber attacks.

“We have land and air security,” he noted, referencing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the necessity of their operations to ensure the safety of flights. Mullin expressed frustration over misconceptions about the DHS, suggesting that perhaps some critics don’t grasp historical context or weren’t educated about it—possibly because they weren’t raised in the U.S. “They didn’t understand what happened 25 years ago and why DHS was stood up,” he remarked.

Mullin argued that the fundamental responsibility of the DHS is to protect the homeland, a role he feels should be uncontroversial. He questioned why protecting domestic waters, airspace, and enforcing immigration customs have become contested issues, stating that they shouldn’t be. “Why is it controversial to have security? It shouldn’t be,” he asserted.

He further reflected on the challenges facing law enforcement, mentioning the Federal Protection Service (FPS) and emphasizing that they serve as a crucial component of federal law enforcement alongside the FBI. Mullin posited that some opposition is rooted in an anti-law enforcement sentiment.

He offered a broader perspective on political dynamics, suggesting that chaos is often a precursor to shifts toward socialism or communism, which can occur after a democracy fails. “You’ve got to create the chaos,” he insisted, indicating that this could lead to attempts to convert a democratic system into a socialist one. He tied this sentiment to the current calls for defunding police and abolishing the DHS, questioning how such concepts gained traction.

Mullin concluded by reiterating that the DHS is essential for homeland security, highlighting its jurisdiction and asserting that the DHS’s mandate is crucial for national safety. “I say this all the time. You can’t argue with crazy,” he remarked, somewhat dismissively, regarding those who challenge the existence of the department.