Homeland Security Secretary Faces Backlash Over Deportation Rates

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin is facing internal political pressure and operational hurdles as the administration's mass deportation program stalls. While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased arrests at airports targeting individuals with expired visas and pending applications, commercial airlines, including Southwest, have begun blocking agents from boarding planes to execute these arrests.

Deportation rates have flatlined, failing to reach the daily target of 3,000 established by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. This shortfall has drawn sharp criticism from MAGA allies. Steve Bannon accused Mullin of being an amnesty advocate, while Laura Loomer called for his removal from office.

The Department of Homeland Security and the White House have defended Mullin, maintaining that he remains committed to President Donald Trump's agenda to protect the homeland and execute the deportation mission.