Donald Trump official highlights state role in targeting high risk immigration cases

Markwayne Mullin addresses governors

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told governors that cooperation could make immigration arrests safer and less visible. Speaking in Oklahoma City, he urged state and local leaders to help federal officers focus on people with serious criminal convictions.

The discussion happened during the National Governors Association summer meeting, where leaders from both parties covered immigration, disaster relief, cybersecurity, and drone threats. Mullin’s main message was practical: better communication can reduce risky searches in neighborhoods and crowded public places.

Markwayne Mullin explains detainers

Mullin centered his request on immigration detainers. An ICE detainer asks a law-enforcement agency to notify ICE before releasing a person whom ICE has probable cause to believe is removable under federal immigration law.

ICE may also request that the agency maintain custody for up to 48 hours beyond the time the person would otherwise be released, excluding weekends and federal holidays under the applicable form and policy. A detainer is a civil immigration request. It is not a criminal conviction, sentence, bail decision, parole decision, or final order of removal.

Oklahoma offers a state-agency example

Mullin presented Oklahoma as an example of state and federal cooperation. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation entered agreements allowing trained officers to perform specified federal immigration functions.

Oklahoma agencies also participate in ICE’s 287(g) program. Under formal agreements, selected state or local officers receive federal training and exercise limited immigration authority under ICE direction and supervision.

Why the arrest location matters?

Mullin argued that a jail or prison provides a more controlled setting for transferring a person into federal custody. Officers know the person’s location, facility security procedures are already operating, and fewer members of the public are likely to become involved.

When a person is released before ICE assumes custody, agents may later attempt an arrest at a home, workplace, vehicle, or public location. Supporters of jail-based cooperation say those operations can create greater uncertainty. Critics respond that detainers and custody transfers must still comply with constitutional protections and applicable state law.

States follow different local rules

States and cities do not respond to ICE detainers in the same way. Some cooperate broadly, while others limit extra detention, information sharing, or local involvement because of state laws, court decisions, budgets, civil rights concerns, or community policing policies.

The term sanctuary jurisdiction also lacks one fixed legal definition, making comparisons difficult. Some places accept certain federal requests but reject others, so a city described as sanctuary may still share information or cooperate during criminal investigations and custody transfers.

A major event showed cooperation

Mullin pointed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a clear example of agencies working together during a huge international event. Federal, state, and local teams coordinated security, transportation, investigations, and public safety across several host cities during the tournament.

He said cooperation also supported efforts against human trafficking and counterfeit merchandise. The example widened his argument beyond immigration, showing governors how shared planning can help agencies manage large crowds, protect visitors, and respond faster when several risks appear together.

Security grants join the debate

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore questioned Mullin about federal homeland-security funding for states and local governments. The Homeland Security Grant Program supports capabilities such as terrorism prevention, planning, training, equipment, intelligence coordination, and protection of high-risk urban areas.

Recent federal grant rules have connected portions of homeland-security funding with immigration-enforcement activities, including 287(g) screening and cooperation with ICE. These grants also fund broader emergency and security capabilities.

Little-known fact: Homeland Security Grant Program funding is not limited to immigration-related activities.

Moore welcomes clearer communication

Moore thanked Mullin for opening lines of communication between DHS and state leaders. Before the meeting, Moore and Stitt had written to Mullin emphasizing that DHS agencies are important state partners in disaster relief, cybersecurity and other homeland-security responsibilities.

During the Oklahoma City meeting, Moore became NGA chair for 2026–2027, succeeding Stitt. Moore launched Service United, an initiative focused on public service, youth workforce opportunities and stronger community connections.

Governors discuss more than immigration

The Oklahoma City meeting covered more than immigration. Governors discussed disaster relief, cybersecurity, drone threats, public service, workforce opportunities and state-federal coordination.

Governors and state executive agencies play major roles in emergency management, public safety, cybersecurity and federally supported preparedness programs. Their precise authority over prisons, police agencies and technology systems varies by state.

ICE arrests rise to new levels

The push for cooperation comes during a rise in immigration arrests. CBS News reported that more than 43,000 people were booked into ICE detention facilities in June 2026, averaging about 1,438 arrests each day across the United States.

Federal data reviewed by CBS showed the average rose to 1,593 during the first 11 days of July. These totals reveal the campaign’s scale, but do not explain each person’s criminal history, immigration status, legal claims, or outcome.

Little-known fact: According to reported ICE data, June 2026 averaged about 1,438 immigration arrests per day, while the first 11 days of July showed an average of about 1,593 arrests per day.

Legal immigration stays part of the story

Mullin drew a clear line between lawful immigration pathways and people who ignore legal requirements or have criminal convictions. He said naturalization ceremonies continue regularly, while federal officers would show little tolerance toward people targeted under the administration’s enforcement priorities.

Naturalization is the process through which eligible lawful permanent residents become American citizens after meeting federal requirements. USCIS welcomed 818,500 new citizens during fiscal year 2024, showing legal immigration continues alongside the government’s expanded arrest and deportation campaign.

Criticism comes from opposite sides

Mullin’s remarks did not end the political dispute. Some prominent Trump-aligned commentators criticized him for discussing immigration reform and legal pathways. Mullin responded that he was not supporting amnesty and continued to defend the administration’s enforcement priorities.

Immigration-rights organizations and some state and local officials raise different objections. Their concerns include constitutional protections, detention conditions, family disruption, local costs and reduced trust between immigrant communities and police.

Curious about what the new DHS data means for immigration enforcement? Read more about the trends shaping the debate across America.

Governors now face the next choice

Governors, legislatures, sheriffs and other state and local officials can expand immigration-enforcement cooperation, retain existing restrictions or revise their policies. Available mechanisms include release notifications, detainer policies, custody-transfer procedures and formal 287(g) agreements.

Each option carries legal, operational, and financial considerations. Officials must consider constitutional requirements, state law, federal supervision, officer training, local costs and effects on public safety and community trust.

Want to see how immigration enforcement reached this record level? Read the full story and explore what changed behind the numbers.

What do you think about the role of states in immigration enforcement? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

Read More From This Brand:

• New Mexico water shortage hits town and immigration detention center
• What U.S. housing data shows about immigration and home prices
• New Mexico water shortage hits town and immigration detention center