Alejandro Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, is entrusted to keep our borders secure, however Republicans believe he is failing his duties. The House chair of Homeland Security, Mark Green, who rallied the committee's impeachment actions, said “Mayorkas has put his political preferences above following the law.” Mayorkas sent a letter to Green before the committee markup, in an attempt to defend that he has upheld immigration laws, the letter containing various examples of his enforcement record; however Green’s sentiments haven't changed. Last Wednesday morning, the House committee of Homeland Security voted narrowly along party lines to forward articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas. These articles contained that Mayorkas has committed “high crimes and misdemeanors.” While republicans believe Mayorkas has truly resisted enforcing law, Democrats assert that there are no real grounds for impeachment.
Republicans have been investigating Mayorkas’ enforcement of the border since they reclaimed the House majority, recently stating that he has abused his power as DHS Secretary, and relaying their claims in two articles of impeachment. The first article of impeachment cites that Mayorkas didn't follow the detention and removal requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act, like the requirement for expedited removals. Exceptions to this requirement are given to migrants and claims of asylum, and in 2021 Biden assigned DHS to re-evaluate non citizens who were subject to expedited removal. The agency later revoked the expansion of expedited removal under the Trump administration, which is likely why Mayorkas hasn’t diligently followed the requirement for expedited removals. The first article also relays Mayorkas use of parole authority, allowing migrants short-term protections without using a visa; however the Biden administration also created temporary protections for non-Americans allowing them temporarily work and live in America. The second article of impeachment focuses on claims that Mayorkas has made many false statements in congressional testimony, which republicans also argue has breached public trust. Republicans lament many instances in which they believed Maryokas had lied, or unfulfilled Trump-era policies, like ending Migrant Protection Protocols. Florida GOP Rep. Laurel Lee says, “He’s come to this Congress and he’s given testimony before that was demonstrably false, stating that our border was secure,” Lee also said that Mayorkas was supposed to continue the remain in Mexico policy, but he in fact was not. While it is clear that Mayorkas is resistant to carry out harsh border policy, certain assertions the republicans make appear hazy.
Democrats label the actions of Mayorkas as a simple policy difference. The highest Democrat on the DHS committee, Bennie Thompspn, remarks that the articles of impeachment are below what qualifies for “high crimes and misdemeanors.” Democrats accuse Republicans of being overdramatic, and highlight that the GOP will take any chance they can to tear down a Democrat. It's evident that border control will be a largely debated issue in the 2024 Presidential election, which some Democrats say is why the Republicans are pinning attention and criticism on Mayorkas so largely. DHS officials parallel the claim that Republicans are overreacting, as they note that Mayorkas has testified before Congress 27 times, “more than any other Cabinet member,” which seems excessive; and stating the inquiry into Mayorkas is “cynical and hypocritical.” Furthermore, I’m sure the Democratic party feels threatened, as Mayorkas’ potential impeachment could highlight a lack of integrity for the Democrats and Biden Administration, dulling their reputation before the 2024 election.
The Full House could vote on the issue next week, while it appears Mayorkas is desperately engaging with Senators and the White house to complete a deal to revoke immigration laws. While it's hard to know exactly how/how not Mayorkas has carried out border policy, it's not surprising that Republicans would question his integrity. It's also not surprising that Mayorkas would use his authority to patrol the Mexican border in ways he feels most just, despite differing opinions; similar to the previous Trump administration who also patrolled the border by their liking, despite negative backlash. While I understand why Republicans would want to hold Mayorkas accountable for being lax on policy, I don’t entirely agree with harsh border control policy to begin with. Both sides of the issue seem to be fueled heavily by partisan lines, and without a critical, humanitarian, or cooperative lens. Unfortunately the political scene continues to reveal its strong divide, as bold arguments and partisanship clouds the focus on facts and reason.
Resources:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/30/politics/impeaching-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-committee/index.html
https://democrats-homeland.house.gov/imo/media/doc/mayorkas_submitted_testimony_markup_013024.pdf
1 comment:
This impeachment would definitely alter perceptions of both parties. The Republican party is already being labeled as overdramatic, and if Mayorkas gets impeached, the Democrats would take a hit to their reputation. While I also don’t entirely agree with harsh border patrol, I think that Mayorkas shouldn’t be straying away from procedure, because that could create a slippery slope. Just because he has a position of power, does not mean that he should abuse that to create his own procedures and then lie during his testimony.
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