Trump’s homeland security pick Mullin is poised to inherit a department beset by challenges - AP News

AP News
March 17, 2026
3 min read

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Trump's DHS nominee Mullin will inherit an agency with 250,000 employees facing staffing shortages and aging infrastructure.

AI Summary

Trump has nominated Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response. DHS has faced persistent operational challenges including staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and the ongoing pressure of managing U.S. borders amid record migrant arrivals in recent years. Mullin will inherit an agency tasked with implementing the Trump administration's immigration and border security agenda while managing these systemic constraints. The department oversees nearly 250,000 employees across U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, among other divisions. Senate confirmation will likely focus on his approach to border policy and immigration enforcement priorities.

What's Being Done

Senate confirmation hearings will likely focus on Mullin's approach to border policy and immigration enforcement priorities.

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