DHS Secretary Mullin Rules Out Immigration Amnesty Despite Bipartisan Talks

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin ruled out any form of immigration amnesty for people with indefinite status living in the United States. He made the declaration on Monday to reporters gathered near Washington, D.C., emphasizing that the administration holds a firm line against granting automatic relief to those currently in the country.

Mullin, a former senator and representative, explained that the administration is preparing to engage with Democrats on immigration policy following the midterm elections. He noted that he has received calls from former congressional colleagues who previously worked with him on bipartisan legislation. The Secretary told reporters that he has relayed these communications to President Donald Trump.

“Le he hecho saber al presidente que esas llamadas están llegando. Y el presidente ha dicho que empecemos a trabajar con ellos y luego reunámonos en algún momento. Así que ese es el alcance de la conversación,” Mullin said. He added that the administration has not yet held a discussion dedicated solely to policy details.

The push for dialogue follows a shift in public sentiment revealed by the recent midterm results. Voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s mass deportation campaign has prompted Trump to signal flexibility. In a Sunday interview with 60 Minutes, the president suggested that the deportation strategy may have been too aggressive for the electorate. Mullin reiterated on Monday that the president remains willing to collaborate with the opposition.

Tensions arose earlier this week when Trump appointed Stephen Miller, the primary architect of the hardline immigration strategy, as White House chief of staff. The move raised questions among observers about the feasibility of bipartisan cooperation. Mullin defended the decision on social media on November 6, calling it an excellent choice. He wrote that he learned from the previous chief of staff, Susie Wiles, regarding the balance of personal adversity and work ethic.

Mullin asserted that a bipartisan approach is the only viable path to comprehensive immigration reform. He cited his own history of working with Democrats in both the House and Senate on previous bills. However, he maintained a strict boundary regarding the scope of any potential deal. “Pero la amnistía nunca va a ser una solución. Nunca vamos a permitir que ocurra una amnistía. Así que ahí se acaba el tema,” he stated.

The Secretary addressed the specific case of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. He indicated that while the administration is open to examining the program, the mechanics of legalizing status for those protected under DACA fall under the jurisdiction of Congress. “Ahora, si queremos una reforma migratoria en la que podamos analizar DACA y encontrar una manera de que estas personas puedan convertirse quizá en residentes permanentes legales o algo así, eso le corresponderá al Congreso,” Mullin said.

Mullin spoke at the margin of a conference focused on drones and counter-drone technologies in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. The event provided a backdrop for his remarks on the evolving political dynamics surrounding the administration’s domestic policies. The Secretary’s comments clarify the current posture of the Department of Homeland Security as it prepares for legislative negotiations.

The administration’s stance distinguishes between procedural cooperation and substantive concessions. While the White House is signaling readiness to meet with Democratic leaders, the definition of success remains tied to congressional action rather than executive orders. Mullin’s remarks serve as a formal update on the administration's internal strategy following the personnel changes in the White House office.