Nearly 50 House Republicans have formally backed Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security after Kristi Noem was removed from the Cabinet, and the Main Street Caucus has also endorsed targeted enforcement focused on criminal illegal immigrants while praising White House Border Czar Tom Homan.
The Main Street Caucus took a rare public stand in support of Senator Mullin, signaling confidence from a pragmatic wing of the GOP that wants steady, results-driven leadership at DHS. Lawmakers argued Mullin understands the legislative process and can push pro-America policies that restore order at the border and prioritize public safety. This endorsement came quickly after President Trump reshuffled DHS leadership and gave Noem a new role as special envoy for a Shield of the Americas initiative. The speed of the move shows how urgently many Republicans want a tougher, more disciplined approach to immigration enforcement.
A formal letter from caucus leaders and 47 other House Republicans stressed the need for focus and discipline at the department. “Senator Mullin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to border security. His familiarity with the legislative process and his longstanding support for pro-America policies make him well-suited to lead DHS at this critical moment,” the letter said. “We are confident he will bring the focus and discipline necessary to further our shared priorities.”
Beyond Mullin, the group made clear they back a sharper, more targeted immigration strategy that concentrates resources on dangerous offenders, not everyone who crosses the border. They met with Tom Homan last week and praised his hands-on enforcement record, which many in Congress view as practical and effective. “As members of the Republican Main Street Caucus, a group of more than 85 House conservatives focused on governing and producing legislative results, we write to express our strong support for the work of Tom Homan and his efforts to strengthen our nation’s immigration enforcement in his role as White House Border Czar,” the letter said. “Last week, approximately two dozen members of our caucus met with Mr. Homan to discuss the current state of immigration enforcement and the steps necessary to strengthen public safety while restoring confidence in federal immigration law.”
The caucus spelled out clear priorities: go after the worst criminal offenders and push policies that restore local and federal cooperation on arrests and deportations. “First, enforcement efforts should remain focused on the worst criminal offenders. Prioritizing the removal of individuals who pose the greatest threats to public safety ensures that federal resources are used effectively while protecting American families and communities,” they wrote. That approach rejects both indiscriminate sweeps and weak policies that let violent offenders slip back onto the streets.
Members also called for dismantling sanctuary policies that block cooperation with federal immigration authorities and for practical access to local jails so federal agents can detain criminal aliens before release. They emphasized transparency and clear reporting from ICE about deportation results, demanding accountability from agencies charged with protecting communities. “Finally, we agreed there should be clear communication from ICE to the American people and to Congress regarding its success in deporting the worst criminal offenders—individuals with records of assault, battery, rape, DUI, and other serious crimes,” the letter said.
The recent controversy around federal operations in Minneapolis exposed the need for clearer rules and leadership, and many Republicans seized that moment to press for changes. Officials were criticized for tactics used during immigration operations, prompting debate about how to balance enforcement with civil liberties and public reaction. In response, the administration moved quickly to restore leadership it believes can manage those tensions and focus resources where they matter most.
For Republican lawmakers pushing this agenda, Mullin represents a choice for someone who will prioritize border security and restore accountability in enforcement. They argue his instincts, conservative record, and willingness to work within Congress make him the right person to bring discipline back to DHS. With broad support from the Main Street Caucus and other House Republicans, his nomination signals a shift toward targeted enforcement and stronger federal coordination on immigration at a time when voters demand results.
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