DHS Continues Detention Practices After Leadership Change

Two months after the Department of Homeland Security replaced its secretary, the agency has continued many of the same detention and enforcement practices that drew criticism under the prior leadership. Markwayne Mullin assumed the role in March. Officials described the new approach as more focused on efficiency and cost control.

Mullin proposed this week that Customs and Border Protection agents stop processing international arrivals at airports in sanctuary cities. The change would prevent airlines from allowing passengers to enter the United States at those locations. Mullin also said agents could be withdrawn from Newark International Airport because of protests at a nearby detention center.

Officials stated the move would address disruptions at the facility.

Mullin stated that the agency provides sanitary detention space and meets calorie standards. The department denied reports of a hunger strike and poor conditions at the Delaney Hall facility. Data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse showed that 70 percent of roughly 60,000 people held in ICE detention as of April 4 had no criminal conviction.

An Associated Press investigation reported that suicides in ICE custody have increased. White House officials said they are working with Mullin to increase detention capacity from 68,000 to 100,000 beds.