LIVE: DHS head Mullen testifies before Senate panel on budget

Historical funding lapse cripples border agencies

Secretary Mullen asserted that CBP and ICE have been historically underfunded, accusing Democrats of playing political games while border security operations stall.

Reconciliation follows collapsed bipartisan talks

Republicans resorted to reconciliation after Democrats walked away from negotiations despite allegedly agreeing to nine specific reform measures, according to Mullen.

Body camera deployment blocked by funding veto

A $20 million body camera initiative remains unfunded because Democrats rejected the appropriations bill, preventing mandatory recording equipment for agents.

Judicial warrants required for residential entry

Mullen confirmed ICE policy requires judicial warrants to enter residences unless agents are in active pursuit of a fleeing criminal.

Training hours restored to 71-72 hours

Effective July 1st, agent training will increase to 71-72 hours and include updated crowd control protocols to address contemporary operational needs.

Rural hospitals face $100,000 H1B fees

Rural Maine hospitals must pay a $100,000 expedited processing fee to recruit critical surgeons, as standard H1B processing takes 7.5 months versus 15 days for paid expedited service.

H2B caps limit seasonal tourism workforce

With 107,000 H2B applications for FY26, Mullen stated he lacks authority to raise statutory caps or reinstate returning worker exemptions without new congressional authorization.

Democrats cite paramilitary conduct by ICE

Senator Murray accused the administration of deploying a 'paramilitary force' that teargassed a U.S. senator, shot a priest with pepper balls, and conducted violent raids against citizens.

Custody deaths projected to break records

DHS is reportedly on track to exceed last year's record for deaths in immigration custody amid expanded enforcement operations.