Mullin testimony doesn't "close the gap" on DHS shutdown

"I don't think his nomination increases the likelihood of a compromise, because he stood pretty firm against the kinds of reforms that Americans are demanding. They refuse to do that, and you will understand if that raises our antenna."

"We're asking to do all of the things that Mullin is saying he's willing to do, except in a way that doesn't depend on the whims of the president or Stephen Miller or Markwayne Mullin. It's a good thing if he's recognizing legal reality, but that's not going to close the gap."

"Democrats continue to argue the problem is bigger than Mullin - or any personnel change at DHS. They want reforms that cannot be undone by President Trump, deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller or future Cabinet officials."

During his nomination hearing, Mullin signaled willingness to require judicial warrants for federal immigration agents entering private properties, moving toward Democratic positions. However, Democrats remained unmoved, arguing such concessions must be codified through legislation rather than implemented through agency discretion. Democratic senators expressed concern that policy changes dependent on executive discretion could be reversed by President Trump or Stephen Miller. Democrats emphasized the core issue extends beyond personnel changes at DHS, seeking permanent legislative reforms that cannot be undone by future administrations. The hearing highlighted Democrats' refusal to fund ICE without statutory guarantees protecting their policy priorities.

Read at Axios