The U.S. Senate confirmed Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on Monday evening in a 54-45 vote. Two Democrats, Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, joined Republicans in support of the nomination.

Mullin replaces Kristi Noem, whom President Donald Trump dismissed about six weeks ago following a fatal shooting by DHS agents that killed two American citizens, Rene Good and Alex Pretti, during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The incident sparked Democratic demands for reforms, including requirements for DHS agents to wear identification, remove masks, and obtain judicial warrants for raids on private property.

The confirmation comes amid a partial DHS shutdown now in its sixth week. Democrats have withheld votes on funding bills unless those changes are adopted, leading to operational strains across the department. Thousands of TSA agents and other employees are working without pay, resulting in high absences, long security lines at airports, and more than 400 TSA officers quitting since the shutdown began.

A former plumber, mixed martial arts fighter, U.S. representative, and member of the Cherokee Nation, Mullin has served in the Senate since 2023, succeeding Jim Inhofe. A staunch Trump supporter, he bonded with the president at wrestling events. During his confirmation hearing last week, Mullin clashed with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who voted against him over concerns about the nominee's temperament.

Mullin pledged several changes, including using judicial warrants for arrests, abandoning a policy requiring his sign-off on expenses over $100,000, and avoiding deportation quotas. He also faced questions about a classified 2016 foreign mission but declined to discuss details publicly.

Supporters praised his independence and toughness. Sen. Heinrich said, "I consider Markwayne Mullin a friend... I look forward to having a Secretary who doesn’t take their orders from Stephen Miller." Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, called him "a courageous person." Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, advised transparency and protecting whistleblowers.

Democrats largely opposed the nomination. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., criticized Mullin's transparency and temperament, citing a 2023 incident where he threatened to fight a Teamsters leader. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., questioned his experience and feared he would continue Noem-era policies.

Mullin now faces the challenge of stabilizing DHS operations, ending the shutdown, and addressing immigration enforcement amid ongoing policy disputes. The White House has deployed ICE officers to airports to help with TSA backlogs during the crisis.