As the 2026 midterm elections approach, scrutiny intensifies on how the GOP has addressed immigration, a key issue for many voters. President Donald Trump was elected on a platform advocating large-scale removals of illegal immigrants and reversing the open border policies of the Biden administration. The influx of millions of illegal immigrants has reportedly strained housing, jobs, and other aspects of American life, prompting the electorate to demand a fundamental policy reversal.

However, critics argue that Congress and members of the Trump administration have favored moderation over the original agenda's intensity. Markwayne Mullin, a prominent figure in the administration, has faced disappointment from segments of Trump's political base. Mullin has discussed immigration reform, distinguishing legal from illegal immigration, supporting increased work visas for labor shortages, and praised the high number of naturalizations during Trump's second term.

Members of the administration have stated that at least 20 million illegal immigrants entered the U.S. during the Biden years. Despite claims that 3 million illegal immigrants have been removed through deportation or self-deportation since 2025, this figure is seen as insufficient to alleviate the hardships faced by Americans due to illegal immigration.

Notably, Mullin previously ran for Utah state Senate as a Democrat in 2000 and chaired the Utah County Democratic Party before switching to the Republican Party in 2006, the same year he ran for Provo mayor.

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