DHS Officials Discuss Potential Removal of Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials are considering the removal of Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, who was reinstated by Secretary Markwayne Mullin after being ousted by former Secretary Kristi Noem. Edgar, who took office in March 2025, was placed on administrative leave due to a deteriorating relationship with Noem. Following her dismissal, Mullin brought Edgar back in April, but some officials now express concerns about his management style, citing a return to practices from Noem's tenure that they found problematic. Reports indicate that Edgar has interfered with operations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) despite lacking sufficient expertise in those areas. Some officials have suggested that Brian Cavanaugh, nominated for undersecretary for management, could replace Edgar if confirmed by the Senate. Mullin, however, has publicly defended Edgar, stating he is a crucial part of his team and dismissing the criticisms as unfounded. The DHS has faced scrutiny over its handling of immigration enforcement, particularly following incidents involving the deaths of two individuals during operations aimed at deportation quotas.