Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a former mixed martial artist and member of the Cherokee Nation, will replace Kristi Noem.
Democrats slam Kristi Noem in DHS oversight hearing
A tense House hearing with Secretary of State Kristi Noem sparked debate as Democrats grilled her about DHS tactics and the shooting deaths of two Americans.
Political committees in Washington are stirring again. President Donald Trump announced on March 5 that Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin will become the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026, replacing Kristi Noem.
The appointment brings a politician with the unusual profile of a former mixed martial arts athlete, businessman and member of the Cherokee Nation to head one of the federal government’s most powerful agencies. From border security to disaster response, DHS directly impacts the lives of millions of people in the United States, especially those in immigrant and Latino communities.
Who is the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin?
Markwayne Mullin (born July 26, 1977) is a Republican politician and businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma. After serving as Oklahoma’s 2nd Representative in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023, he won a special election in 2022 and currently serves in the Senate.
Mr. Marin is also a historic figure in Congress. He is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and is the first tribal member to serve in the Senate since Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell retired in 2005. His career combines politics, Indigenous identity, and the story of an entrepreneur raised in the family business.
What was Markwayne Marin’s career before politics?
Before entering national politics, Mr. Marin had a varied professional life. He is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter with an undefeated record of 3-0, an aspect that President Trump himself referenced when he described him on social media as a “MAGA warrior.”
Additionally, after his father became ill in 1997, Marin took over the family business, Marin Plumbing. Over time, he expanded his business and opened other ventures, including a steakhouse restaurant. That business experience is a central part of his political speeches, where he claims to be a champion of small businesses and independent work.
What political positions has Mr. Marin championed and what does his appointment mean?
Marin is considered a close ally of Trump within the Republican Party. He has publicly supported several of the former president’s positions, including on questions about the 2020 election and proposing legislation in line with the conservative policies of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement.
Among her legislative efforts is the introduction of the Women’s Sports Protection Act, which would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in sports based on their gender identity rather than their assigned sex at birth. He also pushed for passage of a resolution to remove Trump’s impeachment proceedings from the Congressional record.
What does this change mean for the Department of Homeland Security?
The Department of Homeland Security is one of the federal government’s largest agencies, overseeing key areas such as immigration and border control, airport security, cybersecurity, and emergency response. Therefore, DHS leadership often directly influences immigration and public safety policy.
For Latino and immigrant communities in the United States, a change in leadership could result in adjustments to political priorities and security strategies. Experts recommend following official DHS announcements and consulting trusted sources such as dhs.gov and local organizations to understand potential changes to immigration programs, border controls, and protection policies.
What can immigrant communities expect?
Markwayne Mullin’s appointment will be effective March 31, 2026, according to the President’s announcement. Meanwhile, current Secretary Kristi Noem will be transferred to a new regional security initiative called “Shield of the Americas,” but details have not yet been disclosed.
The priorities of DHS’ new leadership are expected to become clearer in the coming weeks. For millions of Americans, especially those in immigrant communities, the focus will be on the central question of how security and immigration policy will play out under this new phase of federal government.
Contributed by: USA TODAY
Boris Q’va is a national Spanish language trends news reporter for Connect/USA TODAY Network. You can follow him on X as @ByBorisQva or write to him at BBalsindesUrquiola@gannett.com.
