DHS Secretary Mullin Affirms Deportations Will Continue After Democrats Gain Congress

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated Wednesday that deportations of illegal migrants will proceed under the Trump administration, one day after Democrats secured majorities in both the House and Senate. Mullin posted the three-word message “Deportations will continue” on X, signaling that the department intends to maintain enforcement priorities even as congressional control shifts in January.

The statement came after election results in which Democrats flipped control of both chambers. House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is seeking the chairmanship and has already taken steps toward intensified oversight. On Wednesday, Thompson sent Mullin a letter demanding written assurances by November 11 that departmental records “have not been and will not be destroyed, modified, removed, transferred, or otherwise rendered inaccessible,” while renewing outstanding document requests with a December 2 deadline. Thompson wrote that in the next Congress the committee “intends to address the Trump administration’s assault on the rule of law and hold those responsible accountable.”

Thompson and other Democrats have previewed investigations into ICE operations, hiring, and detention practices. Some Democrats campaigned on restraining the agency, and a minority of candidates used “abolish ICE” as a slogan. Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez has introduced the Reimagining Safety Act, which would overhaul immigration agencies into community-centered entities, citing deaths in custody as a concern. House Homeland Security Committee Democrats posted “clear your calendar” directed at Mullin after the results, indicating he could face hearings once the new Congress convenes.

Those efforts face practical limits. Congress has already approved substantial multiyear funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection—tens of billions of dollars available through fiscal year 2029—through the 2025 reconciliation package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and subsequent measures. The White House has stated that the second Trump administration has carried out more than 605,000 deportations of illegal migrants, with another 1.9 million self-deporting. Administration officials have pointed to these figures as evidence that enforcement priorities remain in place regardless of midterm outcomes. President Trump retains veto authority over any legislation aimed at curtailing ICE or related operations and has previously indicated he would use it if Democrats advanced restrictive measures.

Mullin has previously defended ICE against criticism. Ahead of the election he responded on Fox News to concerns raised by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about agents potentially appearing near polling places, stating that agents would only be present if there was a specific threat and that this position was consistent with his confirmation hearing testimony. The secretary’s post did not introduce new policy details or timelines; it reaffirmed continuation of existing removal efforts under current law.

A change in party control of Congress does not automatically suspend deportations, which are carried out by executive agencies under existing statutes. Democrats will gain committee leadership and investigative authority starting in January, along with the ability to shape future appropriations. However, any attempt to withhold already-appropriated multiyear funds or pass new restrictions would require legislation subject to a presidential veto and potential Republican opposition in both chambers. Full implementation of Democratic oversight plans will depend on the new Congress’s organization and any further statements from the administration.