# ICE will operate on Thanksgiving, DHS chief says

> Markwayne Mullin confirms immigration enforcement continues every day of the year, drawing pushback from sanctuary cities.
- Title: ICE will operate on Thanksgiving, DHS chief says · LA NACION
- Summary: Markwayne Mullin confirms immigration enforcement continues every day of the year, drawing pushback from sanctuary cities.
- Keywords: markwayne mullin, ice, dhs, immigration enforcement, thanksgiving, houston, john whitmire, sanctuary cities, deportations, 2026 midterm elections, LA NACION
- Source: LA NACION — https://lanacion.com.ar/estados-unidos/migraciones/el-jefe-del-dhs-confirmo-que-podrian-activarse-operativos-del-ice-en-thanksgiving-en-los-365-dias-nid09112026
- Author: LA NACION
- Published: 2026-11-09T23:22:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: markwayne mullin, ice, dhs, immigration enforcement, thanksgiving, houston, john whitmire, sanctuary cities, deportations, 2026 midterm elections, news, politics
## DHS chief confirms year-round enforcement
Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said ICE agents arrest immigrants on all 365 days of the year, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Election Day.

> En los 365 días del año
## Statement follows midterm elections
Mullin published his statement on November 4, 2026, one day after midterm elections. Democrats now control both the House and Senate and are expected to challenge immigration enforcement actions.
## Trump administration defends deportations
Mullin said the Trump administration will not apologize for prioritizing American security by arresting and deporting immigrants with criminal records. Deportations will continue, he added.
## Houston limits police-ICE communication
On November 6, Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed Executive Order EO 1-74, restricting the Houston Police Department from communicating with ICE except when someone faces new criminal charges or pending court orders.
## Mayor defends sanctuary measure
Whitmire said the order promotes public safety and prevents people from worrying about their jobs, families or students. Mullin responded by criticizing politicians who defend sanctuary policies.
## Mullin argues for coordinated enforcement
Mullin said when state, local and federal partners work together to remove criminal immigrants, everyone wins. He criticized sanctuary city policies as obstacles to immigration enforcement.
## Key takeaway

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said ICE arrests immigrants on all 365 days of the year including Thanksgiving, as Democrats prepare to challenge immigration enforcement after the 2026 midterm elections.