DHS Nominee Mullin Pledges Judicial Warrants for Home Entries
Mullin proposes judicial warrants for home entries, marking a DHS policy shift.
Why it matters: This change ensures judicial oversight and impacts immigration legal strategies, reinforcing constitutional checks for legal counsel.
- Mullin commits to judicial warrants at his confirmation hearing.
- Senate Democrats pressured DHS to change warrant policies.
- 2025 report found 28 ICE entries without judicial oversight.
- Mullin confirmed as DHS Secretary with a 54-45 vote.
During his confirmation hearing on March 18, 2026, Markwayne Mullin pledged to mandate judicial warrants for any home or business entries conducted by law enforcement, marking a shift in the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) approach.
Previously, the DHS operated largely on administrative warrants, which drew criticism for lacking judicial oversight. This new policy aligns with pressures from Senate Democrats who, led by figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, demanded reforms or threatened to block DHS funding unless changes were made.
A December 2025 report, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal, revealed that there were 28 instances of unwarranted home entries by ICE, sparking outrage over constitutional rights violations. Blumenthal emphasized preserving the 'sanctity of our homes.'
Following his commitment, Mullin was confirmed as the DHS Secretary on March 23, 2026, with a Senate vote of 54-45, as documented by The Washington Post. This significant policy change promises to influence immigration case strategies and bolster legal operations around constitutional checks.
By the numbers:
- 28 — unwarranted home entries by ICE reported in December 2025.
- 54-45 — Senate vote confirming Mullin as DHS Secretary.