Overview
- On Friday, former secretaries Jeh Johnson and Michael Chertoff told NBC News the Department of Homeland Security has become politically toxic and needs a major reorganization to return focus to high‑level security threats.
- Also on Friday, Secretary Markwayne Mullin used the department’s 9/11 memorial speech to say sanctuary cities are “a safe haven that incubates terrorist activity” and to defend aggressive enforcement tactics.
- The department has released data and public statements saying it has arrested more than 2,150 known or suspected terrorists during President Trump’s second term and that immigration enforcement supports counterterrorism work.
- DHS critics point to recent controversies — including two fatal shootings by immigration agents in Minneapolis, legal challenges, and record deportation drives — as evidence the agency’s immigration role has eroded public trust.
- The exchange has sharpened partisan coverage and puts potential changes on the table, including congressional oversight, proposals to reshuffle law enforcement functions, and continued local‑federal tensions that affect immigrant communities.