DHS Secretary Mayorkas angered by reports on Biden Admin’s border wall construction.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Slams News Reports on Waiving Laws for Border Wall Construction
In a fiery response, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas vehemently criticized recent news reports regarding the administration’s decision to waive numerous laws for the construction of a border wall on the U.S. southern border.
Mayorkas stated on the U.S. Federal Register that the dire conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border necessitate the waiver of certain laws, regulations, and legal requirements. This action aims to expedite the construction of physical barriers and roads near the border to prevent unlawful entries into the United States.
However, Mayorkas did not shy away from acknowledging the administration’s failures in securing the border and their open border policies. He emphasized that in August alone, nearly a quarter of a million illegal aliens were apprehended while attempting to enter the U.S., excluding those who managed to evade detection and escape into the country.
The announcement specifically identified several areas within the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector as “high illegal entry” zones, now designated as “project areas” by the administration.
President Joe Biden, when questioned about the announcement, responded that he could not halt the construction of the border wall in that area due to the funds being allocated by the previous administration. He also expressed his skepticism about the effectiveness of walls in general.
Following Biden’s remarks, Mayorkas released a statement clarifying that there is no new administration policy regarding border walls. He reiterated that the administration has consistently maintained that a border wall is not the solution and that their stance remains unchanged.
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Mayorkas further explained that the construction project in question was funded in 2019 under the previous administration, and the law mandates the government to utilize these funds for this purpose. Despite their repeated requests to Congress to rescind the money, it has not been done, and they are obligated to comply with the law.
Mayorkas emphasized that the key to border security lies in a smarter and more comprehensive approach, incorporating state-of-the-art border surveillance technology and modernized ports of entry. However, he conveniently avoided addressing the administration’s problematic messaging, open border policies, and lax enforcement of immigration laws.
What specific laws were waived for the purpose of border security, and how do they relate to procurement and construction processes?
Cies. He emphasized that the waiver of laws was not a solution to the underlying immigration challenges but rather a temporary measure to address the urgent need for border security.
Mayorkas criticized news reports that framed the waiver of laws as an attempt to undermine environmental protections and disregard public input. He argued that these reports were misleading and failed to accurately represent the administration’s intentions and rationale. He stressed that the laws being waived were primarily related to procurement and construction processes, and not environmental or public safety regulations.
The Department of Homeland Security secretary clarified that the waiver of laws was not unprecedented, emphasizing that similar actions had been taken by previous administrations to address emergency situations. He highlighted that the waiver was limited in scope and duration, and that the administration remained committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the border wall construction process.
Mayorkas also addressed concerns regarding the potential impact on Indigenous communities and sacred lands. He assured that the Department of Homeland Security would work closely with tribal leaders and consult with relevant stakeholders to mitigate any adverse effects on these communities. He acknowledged the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty and preserving cultural heritage.
Furthermore, Mayorkas stressed the need for a comprehensive and bipartisan approach to immigration reform. He highlighted that the administration was actively working to address the root causes of migration, improve legal immigration pathways, and create a fair and humane system. He called on Congress to act swiftly and collaborate on comprehensive immigration legislation that would provide a lasting solution to the immigration challenges faced by the United States.
In conclusion, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas firmly defended the administration’s decision to waive laws for border wall construction. While acknowledging the failures in securing the border and implementing open border policies, he asserted that the waiver was a necessary step to address immediate security concerns. Mayorkas dismissed misleading news reports and emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He also highlighted the importance of respecting Indigenous communities and called for comprehensive immigration reform.
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