Heated Congressional Exchange
Rep. Al Green Calls Sec. Mullin a Racist, Tells Him to 'Shut Up' During House Hearing
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A House homeland security hearing erupted on June 3 when Rep. Al Green (D-TX) called Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin a "racist" and repeatedly yelled "Shut up!" at him during a budget review session. Fox News reported that committee chairman Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) was forced to bang the gavel repeatedly before suspending Green's speaking time to restore order.
The confrontation is the latest clash between the two men. It came as Mullin testified before the House Committee on Homeland Security about a $118.39 billion budget request for fiscal year 2027. Green, who lost his primary race and is serving his final term, has clashed publicly with Mullin before.
How the Shouting Match Unfolded on the House Floor
Green began his questioning around 11:30 AM ET in the Cannon House Office Building. The exchange turned hostile when Green told Mullin, "Racists take offense at peaceful protests... A racist, Mr. Secretary, would do what happened to Ruby—" according to Mediaite. Mullin cut him off. Green then erupted, yelling "Shut up! Tell him to shut up!"
Mullin responded directly: "Are you calling me a racist?... No one will call me a racist. I'm Cherokee," according to The Mirror. Garbarino stepped in, warning, "There will be no addressing anyone's character in a negative way." He then suspended Green's allotted time. Mullin stayed calm throughout.
A Feud That Started at the State of the Union
This was not the first confrontation between the two men. In February 2026, Green held a sign at the State of the Union reading "Black People Aren't Apes." Mullin, then a senator, crossed the aisle and physically tried to grab the sign. Green was eventually escorted out, according to The Guardian.
Green also has a history of disruptions in Congress. In March 2025, the House voted 224-198 to censure him after he shouted "You have no mandate!" during President Trump's joint address to Congress, according to The Texas Tribune. Now, House Republicans led by Rep. Mike Rulli (R-OH) are reportedly weighing a second censure over the "shut up" outburst, according to Fox News.
Budget Fight Behind the Hearing: $118 Billion at Stake
The hearing was meant to examine DHS's $118.39 billion budget request for 2027. The bill is stalled in the House over a controversial $1.776 billion settlement fund for Trump allies who claim they were victims of political prosecution, according to research from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Democrats strongly oppose the provision.
Mullin used the hearing to warn that budget gridlock is putting 2026 FIFA World Cup security at risk. He called the event "78 Super Bowls in 38 days." DHS needs to deploy TSA, ICE, and National Guard personnel across 11 host cities. A 75-day government shutdown earlier this year had already set back agency planning, according to the Associated Press.
ICE Training Gaps Draw Scrutiny Alongside the Fireworks
Separately, Mullin announced at the hearing that ICE will ramp up training for new officers starting next month, according to WRAL. The move follows criticism that rapid hiring under the administration's mass deportation push has outpaced proper training. ICE is aiming to activate 100,000 single adult detention beds under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" funding package.
Democrats pushed back hard. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) cited nearly 12,000 instances of judges overturning ICE decisions, arguing the agency "makes up its own law." Mullin countered that sanctuary cities are blocking federal officers from doing their jobs. He has threatened to pull Customs officers from airports in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, a move that could disrupt international travel.
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