DHS secretary visits Warren County, urges wider 287(g) enforcement partnership

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mullen visited Warren County on the department's tour to highlight local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to press for wider adoption of the 287(g) program.

"We're fighting every single day to bring down the crime that's on our streets," Secretary Mullen said in opening remarks, attributing recent declines in some violent crimes to federal‑local partnerships and to administration priorities. He repeatedly framed enforcement of immigration laws as a public‑safety measure and urged counties to participate in 287(g) models.

Mullen described different 287(g) approaches and said the program lets federal and local officers work together to identify and remove noncitizens who have committed crimes. He also recounted an anecdote about a person released prior to his arrival who he said was implicated in a fatal crash; the claim was presented as the Secretary's account and was not verified during the event.

Local officials, including Warren County's sheriff, praised the partnership and described task‑force activity that officials said aids investigations across county lines. Reporters pressed DHS officials on jurisdictional limits, the use of ankle and wrist monitors, and how alternatives to detention are decided.

No formal votes or policy changes were announced at the event. Officials said further operational details, including specifics about any new national centers or contractor support, will be released later by the department.