Markwayne Mullin has begun reversing several Noem-era DHS policies while ordering reviews of major programs. He rescinded a controversial contract-approval rule, raising the threshold so only contracts over $25 million need deputy secretary sign-off, and paused plans for large migrant detention warehouses pending review. Lawmakers from both parties are pressing for broader operational reforms — including proposals to require agents to remove masks and obtain judicial warrants for many arrests — as DHS seeks to rebuild trust with local communities and Capitol Hill.
Mullin Moves Quickly at DHS: Rescinds Noem Contract Rule, Pauses Migrant Warehouse Plans as Lawmakers Push For More
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on March 26, 2026. - Alex Brandon/AP
Nine days into his tenure, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has begun reversing several high-profile policies from the Kristi Noem era while ordering broader reviews of agency practices. His early actions aim to speed contracting, reassess large-scale detention plans and calm tensions between federal officials, local communities and lawmakers.
Contract Policy Reversed
Mullin rescinded Noem’s directive that required her sign-off on contracts exceeding $100,000. In its place, a new memo raises the approval threshold so only contracts above $25 million require sign-off by the DHS deputy secretary; leaders of DHS components now authorize contracts below that level. A DHS spokesperson said Mullin "re-evaluated the contract processes to make sure DHS is serving the American taxpayer efficiently" and rescinded the prior memo "to streamline the contract process and empower components to carry out their mission."
An exterior view of a warehouse that is the site for a planned US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Williamsport, Maryland, on March 23, 2026. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Warehouse Plans Paused, ICE Rules Under Review
Mullin’s team is reviewing plans for so-called mega detention warehouses nationwide and has put those purchases or installations on hold pending further evaluation, a source told CNN. The pause follows pushback from local officials and some Republican lawmakers who worried about the strain such facilities could impose on community infrastructure.
The new secretary is also weighing changes to how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates, including operational practices that have been contentious on Capitol Hill. Those deliberations are taking place against the backdrop of a funding standoff over DHS that is nearing its 50th day.
Then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security, on March 4, 2026. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
Lawmakers Demand Broader Review
Some Republicans — including members who broadly support a tougher immigration stance — want Mullin to go further and review all Noem-era policies rather than take a piecemeal approach. Rep. Mark Amodei, chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees DHS, said Mullin is pausing several initiatives to evaluate their cost-effectiveness. "We want to see that analysis, that cost benefit analysis," Amodei told CNN.
“Review everything that was being done under Secretary Noem,” Rep. Carlos Gimenez told CNN. “I think a lot of things need to change and hopefully he will be the agent of change.”
Bipartisan Push For Operational Reforms
Meanwhile, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R) introduced legislation with Democratic Rep. Thomas Suozzi that would impose procedural limits on removal operations — including requiring agents to remove masks in most cases and mandating judicial warrants for many arrests. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, said enforcement should be vigorous but also guided by empathy.
Masked federal agents stand in a hallway at the New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court inside the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York on March 6, 2026. - Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images
Local Leaders Cautious
Local officials who were blindsided by past DHS actions say they remain skeptical. B.R. White, city manager of Oakwood, Georgia — where DHS had planned a large detention facility — said he will assume the agency’s past behavior predicts future actions until proven otherwise, though he expressed hope Mullin will identify problems with the prior program.
Relationship With Border Officials
Mullin has also developed a close working relationship with Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, who earlier implemented changes to ICE tactics after deadly incidents in Minneapolis and worked to de-escalate tensions with local leaders.
Taken together, Mullin’s early moves signal an effort to slow, reassess and in some cases reverse Noem-era decisions while attempting to rebuild trust with communities and Capitol Hill allies. How broadly he rewrites the agency’s direction — and whether Congress adopts statutory reforms — will shape DHS policy in the months ahead.
This article was updated with additional information. CNN reporters Gabe Cohen and Andy Rose contributed to the reporting.
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