The Council on National Security and Immigration, a group of more than 50 former senior national security officials, released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security:
“As former national security officials concerned about the trajectory of our border and immigration policies, we urge Secretary Mullin to implement necessary reforms to restore confidence in our immigration enforcement agencies. CNSI previously endorsed the reforms outlined below, many of which Secretary Mullin has indicated he supports. We further urge that these reforms be coupled with an end to the partial DHS shutdown which has hindered other critical DHS missions including aviation security, cybersecurity, and disaster response.
To restore trust in DHS, there must be accountability and transparency in how the department plans and executes its operations. Steps must be taken immediately to ensure that law enforcement operations meet the highest professional and legal standards, including:
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Full and independent investigations into any operations that result in collateral fatalities or serious injuries.
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Robust oversight exercised and respected by law enforcement agencies, including oversight from Congress, the judiciary, and offices within DHS and Department of Justice.
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At the operational level, mandating the use of body-worn cameras, prohibiting the use of face coverings, and requiring officers to clearly display identification.
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DHS must adhere to the law by entering homes only with warrants signed by a federal judge – not administrative warrants.”
Leaders of CNSI speak and act solely in their individual capacities, and their views should not be attributed to any organization with which they are affiliated.
