Secretary Mullin Highlights Importance of Working with Tribal Nations in North Carolina

WASHINGTON - On Friday, United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin met with leaders of the Lumbee Tribe and delivered remarks in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Secretary Mullin was joined by John Lowery, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Chairman; William Kirkland, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).

"If we don't enforce our nation's laws, we become a lawless nation and that makes us a third-world country. And that's unique because we have those unique challenges also on reservations. All throughout Indian Country, we have these same challenges, and we can see what happens. It can erode the society that we grew up in," said Secretary Mullin. "And I know who's standing there with us to enforce our nation's laws, it's the Lumbees."

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland (left), Lumbee Tribe Chairman John Lowery (center), and Secretary Mullin

"You guys never gave up on the fight. You guys were fighting from one generation to the next generation to the next generation to be recognized. And it's the generation that's sitting in front of me that accomplished it because you never gave up," said Secretary Mullin. "And as Secretary of Homeland Security, I'm never giving up fighting for my backyard and fighting for your backyard."

Chairman John Lowery delivers remarks, alongside Congressman David Rouzer and Secretary Mullin

In December 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed legislation into law adding the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to the official list of federally-recognized tribes.

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