By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Wednesday, Nov. 4, that the Trump administration will continue deporting immigrants living illegally in the United States despite Democratic victories in the midterm elections that shifted control of both chambers of Congress.
Mullin delivered the message in a brief post on X, writing, “Deportations will continue.”
The statement came one day after Democrats secured majorities in the House and Senate, delivering a political setback to President Donald Trump while raising questions about the future of his administration’s immigration policies.
Mullin’s declaration indicated that the Department of Homeland Security has no immediate plans to suspend removal operations or substantially change its enforcement priorities in response to the election.
The administration has made immigration enforcement a central component of its domestic agenda, expanding arrests, detention capacity and deportation operations since Trump returned to office in January 2025.
According to The Hill’s reporting on Mullin’s announcement, the secretary’s message followed Democratic gains that will provide the opposition party with greater authority to investigate and oversee federal immigration agencies beginning in January.
Mullin has repeatedly defended the department’s operations, arguing that immigration officers have a responsibility to enforce federal law regardless of political developments.
During an October news conference, Mullin rejected suggestions that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had accelerated deportation operations ahead of the elections.
“We’re consistently doing our job every day,” he said.
He also maintained that enforcement would continue without interruption.
“We pursue the worst of the worst, regardless if it’s Sunday, regardless if it’s Monday, regardless if it’s Christmas, regardless if it’s Thanksgiving, regardless if it’s on a Saturday. We are pursuing the worst of the worst every day. There is no ramp up. There is no draw down. We’re doing our job.”
Mullin reiterated that position during an Election Day interview with conservative radio hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton, emphasizing the department’s commitment to immigration enforcement regardless of the outcome.
The administration’s deportation program has involved increased funding for ICE, additional detention facilities and broader coordination among federal immigration agencies.
The White House has reported more than 605,000 deportations during Trump’s second administration, although immigration researchers have published differing estimates based on the periods and removal categories examined.
A Migration Policy Institute analysis estimated approximately 980,000 deportations between January 2025 and July 2026, reflecting a broader period and methodology.
Democrats have criticized aspects of the administration’s enforcement strategy, including immigration arrests involving people without criminal convictions, detention conditions and the conduct of federal officers.
Some Democratic lawmakers have called for restructuring or eliminating ICE, while others favor increased oversight and changes to enforcement priorities.
The incoming congressional majorities are expected to examine DHS operations, government contracts and the use of federal immigration funding.
However, Democrats’ ability to immediately curtail deportations will be limited by legislation already enacted under Republican control.
Congress previously approved approximately $70 billion in additional funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection through fiscal year 2029.
The funding supports expanded detention facilities, additional personnel and other enforcement operations, allowing immigration agencies to continue substantial activities even after the change in congressional leadership.
Democrats could pursue investigations, legislative restrictions or changes to future appropriations, but major policy changes would face opposition from the Trump administration and potentially require presidential approval.
The election also highlighted disagreements among voters over immigration enforcement and its implementation.
While the administration has maintained support among voters who favor stricter border security, criticism of aggressive enforcement practices contributed to broader political disputes during the campaign.
Economic concerns, including inflation and household affordability, also played a significant role in Tuesday’s results.
The Democratic victories do not directly change immigration law or remove the president’s existing executive authority over federal enforcement agencies.
Trump will remain in office for the final two years of his second term, while Mullin continues overseeing DHS operations.
The department’s enforcement activities also remain subject to federal court rulings, statutory requirements and constitutional protections.
Mullin’s three-word statement underscored the administration’s intention to maintain its immigration policies despite the coming shift in congressional leadership.
With Democrats preparing to assume control of Congress in January, immigration enforcement is positioned to remain a central issue in the relationship between the White House and lawmakers during the remainder of Trump’s presidency.
Original article
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