Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized several high‑profile Democrats for hosting webinars and distributing materials he says help illegal immigrants evade Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The remarks came after the administration announced the resumption of ICE vehicle stops, ending a brief pause that followed officer‑involved shootings in Maine and Texas. Mullin emphasized that protecting officers and removing criminals from streets is the agency’s top priority, noting a dramatic increase in attacks on law‑enforcement vehicles.
Mullin specifically named Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, Governor Gavin Newsom, Representative Dan Goldman and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of providing guidance that enables migrants to defy ICE.
Ocasio‑Cortez’s office previously organized a “Know Your Rights With ICE” webinar streamed on social media, offering tips on how to respond to ICE inquiries at homes or workplaces. She also posted informational posters in English and Spanish, urging followers to share and display them widely.
Newsom’s administration released multilingual guides that describe how to recognize ICE agents, document encounters, and report alleged misconduct. The materials stress non‑violent documentation rather than obstruction and were produced in 15 languages.
The governor and California’s attorney general also launched an online portal for reporting alleged unlawful actions by federal agents.
Mullin warned that attempts to avoid arrest are dangerous and asserted that illegal immigrants will be detained and deported wherever they are found.
The president reiterated that vehicle stops are a critical law‑enforcement tool, criticizing opposition as “playing right into” criminals’ hands and urging ICE to continue its traffic‑stop operations.
