DHS Secretary Mullin pushes 287(g) partnerships in Ohio, warns against sanctuary policies

During a roundtable in Cincinnati, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin lauded the 287(g) program’s role in curbing illegal-immigrant crime, claiming the approach is more effective than under the prior administration. He asserted that every death caused by an illegal immigrant is avoidable and criticized sanctuary counties for allowing crime to spill over into neighboring areas. Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley, who has overseen the county’s participation in the program since October 2025, stressed the constitutional responsibility to detain and process undocumented individuals.

Rep. Warren Davidson noted the remarks were not partisan, contrasting Warren County’s policies with more liberal measures in nearby Hamilton County. ICE removal director Matt Putra described the “task force model” that lets local officers identify and apprehend immigration violators while performing regular police duties. Mullin also called for cooperation from schools to locate missing children and suggested using contractors instead of ICE agents for certain operations.