Washington, March 25 (NationPress) - US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed strong support for the Department of Homeland Security staff who have been working for 30 days without pay, emphasizing their commitment. He pledged to stand by them for 365 days as the funding deadlock persists.

Mullin's comments came after his swearing-in ceremony at the Oval Office, officiated by Attorney General Pam Bondi, marking his entry into the department during a significant political stalemate regarding budget allocations in Congress.

“I had the privilege of meeting many dedicated employees at DHS,” Mullin stated. “These individuals have shown remarkable resilience by working for 30 days without a paycheck.”

He highlighted that their ongoing service is a testament to their dedication to maintaining national security. “If you want proof of their commitment, just look at how they continue to show up and protect our homeland and the freedoms we enjoy,” he remarked. “They are working for free due to political disagreements.”

Mullin assured them of his unwavering support: “In your fight over the next 365 days, know that I will be fighting alongside you,” he promised.

Outlining his work ethic, he stated, “No one will outwork me, nor will I allow them to outshine my efforts.” He added, “The president has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will not accept failure.”

The Oklahoma Republican adopted a collaborative stance, emphasizing a non-partisan approach. “I don’t care about your state’s political color, red or blue,” he said. “Ultimately, my role is to be the Secretary of Homeland and to protect all citizens equally.”

During the event, President Donald Trump lauded Mullin as a “great American patriot,” affirming that he would lead the department with both strength and fairness.

Trump also took the opportunity to criticize Democrats for the ongoing funding standoff, asserting that the department had effectively been “shut down” due to lawmakers “blocking all funding for DHS.”

The president connected the funding conflict to broader immigration issues, accusing Democrats of attempting to protect “illegal alien criminals and gang members.”

He reiterated the administration's commitment to deporting any illegal migrants with criminal records. “Every single illegal migrant who has a criminal record must be deported immediately,” Trump declared.

Trump further emphasized his administration's achievements in border security, claiming that the United States has established “the most secure border in the nation’s history” and recorded “the largest decrease in illegal immigration ever seen.”

Mullin’s appointment signifies a shift in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security, which governs border enforcement, immigration, transportation security, and disaster response.

Formed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, DHS is among the largest federal departments and plays a critical role in safeguarding domestic security.

Having served in Congress for over a decade, Mullin is a strong ally of Trump and has been a proponent of stricter border enforcement and immigration regulations.