Mullin Sounds Alarm on Emerging Threats to U.S. Security

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin recently appeared on ‘The Sunday Briefing’ to discuss the evolving threats facing the United States, including alliances between terrorists and cartels, as well as challenges posed by drones and foreign cyberattacks. During his appearance, Mullin announced a symbolic change to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal. The eagle on the seal, traditionally facing a palm leaf symbolizing peace, will now face arrows to represent the department’s daily battle against ongoing threats.

This change coincides with the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11. Mullin stressed that the DHS is actively engaged in ‘war every single day’ against adversaries ranging from Islamic terrorists to drug cartels.

Mullin likened the direction the eagle faces on seals across agencies to signify peace and war: ‘If you look at most of our seals throughout all the agencies, the eagle looks to the palm because that’s in a time of peace. We’re actually changing our seal to make it look towards the arrows, because when it looks towards the arrows is when it means we’re at war.’

He highlighted the convergence of threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and cartel operations. Mullin also credited former President Donald Trump for classifying cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations due to their involvement in fentanyl trafficking and the resulting fatalities surpassing Vietnam War casualties.

In response to increased drone activity, Mullin noted the shift in tactics from ground-based security measures to addressing aerial threats. He stated, ‘We have tried to protect our sensitive areas with fences and armed security guards. Now we’re having to realize that the threat comes from the air, too, with simple drones that people can buy online on Amazon.’

Amidst the campaign season, Mullin discussed the dangers facing political figures, emphasizing the need for tolerance and civility among differing viewpoints. He reinforced the critical role of the DHS in preventing violence linked to political discourses.

‘I would say you’re never safe when you’re [in the] public eye,’ he remarked, calling for an end to rhetoric that incites violence: ‘And it’s okay to have different opinions, just when you cross the line and say that that different opinion needs to be silenced, needs to be silenced through violence — that’s where Homeland comes into place.’

Additionally, Mullin outlined the significance of cyber threats from state actors like Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia, which number in the hundreds of thousands weekly. He emphasized the importance of adaption in mitigating these risks.

‘Every single day, I get a briefing. Every single day we have new threats, and every single day the threats are changing,’ Mullin concluded, underscoring the necessity for constant vigilance across all domains — cyber, sea, air, and land.