Five takeaways from Markwayne Mullin's Homeland Security confirmation hearing

Five takeaways from Markwayne Mullin's Homeland Security confirmation hearing 4 hours ago Share Save Ana Faguy on Capitol Hill Share Save Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin promised a "better approach" on immigration enforcement and, despite recent criticism of the Homeland Security department, pledged that as its leader he would be "protecting everybody". The senator's remarks came as he was questioned by colleagues considering his nomination to lead the DHS following Kristi Noem's departure earlier this month. Reopening the department amid the partial government shutdown, potential growth of Immigration and Customs Enforcement centres across the US, and ICE's use of judicial warrants all came up during the three-hour hearing. Mullin is vying for the job as the DHS enters its fifth week without funding, and concerns surrounding a lack of pay for workers loomed during questioning. The committee expects a vote on Thursday on Mullin's nomination which would move to a full Senate vote next. Here are five takeaways from the hearing. Mullin regrets Alex Pretti remarks Many questions from senators focused on ICE and opposition the agency has faced in the wake of increased federal immigration efforts in cities across the US, particularly those led by Democrats. A few Democratic senators mentioned that Mullin was answering questions before the committee because of criticism of his predecessor, Noem. Michigan Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat, pressed Mullin on his comments about Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man who was shot and killed in January by federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. The Oklahoma senator previously said Pretti was deranged and was attempting to do maximum damage when he approached federal agents. On Wednesday, Mullin said he regreted his comments, but he would not apologise to Pretti's family until the investigation into the incident is complete. Mullin said he would not make similar comments as Homeland Security secretary. "I can have different opinio...