Mayorkas impeachment articles move forward in House panel

The​ House Homeland Security ⁤Committee Approves Articles of ​Impeachment Against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

The⁤ House Homeland Security Committee ​made a significant move‍ in⁤ the early morning ⁣hours on Wednesday, approving two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary⁤ Alejandro Mayorkas. This development sets the stage for a floor ​vote as early as ⁢next week.

In a marathon mark-up hearing that lasted past midnight, lawmakers voted along party lines to proceed with impeaching Mayorkas⁤ for‌ his handling of the​ southern border⁢ crisis. If a majority‌ of ⁣the full chamber votes in favor, Mayorkas will become the first Cabinet official ‍to be impeached since 1876.

A Grave Day for Homeland Security

Homeland​ Security Chairman ‌Mark Green (R-TN) expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Today is a grave day. We have⁢ not approached this day or this process lightly. Secretary Mayorkas’s‍ actions have forced our ⁤hand. We ⁤cannot allow this border crisis to continue. We cannot allow fentanyl to flood across our border or criminals to waltz in⁣ undeterred. We cannot allow ⁤a Cabinet​ secretary with no regard for ⁢the separation of⁣ powers,​ the rule of law, to remain​ in office. That is why today we present this ‌committee with the articles of impeachment against‌ Secretary Alejandro ‌Mayorkas.”

The ‌articles, approved in an​ 18-15 vote ​just after 1 a.m., accuse Mayorkas of willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law and a breach of the public trust. Republicans‌ unveiled the⁤ charges⁤ on Sunday morning, gaining momentum in the 48 hours leading up to the mark-up.

Border Crisis and National Security

The ‌articles‍ state, “Alejandro N.⁣ Mayorkas has repeatedly violated laws enacted by⁤ Congress​ regarding immigration and border security. In large part because of his unlawful conduct, millions of ‍aliens have‌ illegally entered the United‌ States on an annual basis with many ‍unlawfully remaining ⁤in the United States. His refusal to obey the law is not only an offense against‍ the⁣ separation ⁢of powers in the Constitution of the United States, it also‌ threatens our national security ⁢and⁤ has had ⁤a‌ dire impact on communities across the country.”

The articles will now move to ⁣the House ​Rules Committee for review before a full House⁢ floor‌ vote. To impeach Mayorkas, at least 218 lawmakers must vote in favor in a chamber⁢ where Republicans hold ‌a narrow majority of 221 seats to Democrats’ 213.

A Long-Awaited Move

Republicans have been calling⁣ for‍ Mayorkas’s​ impeachment for the past three‍ years, ⁤with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) introducing ​articles‌ against ⁢him twice. However, ⁢it was ⁤not until ⁢the ⁢start of an ​election year‍ that the GOP made a move to strip him of⁤ his title. Since President Joe Biden took office and⁢ Mayorkas‌ was confirmed in January 2021, ⁣over ​7.5 million illegal immigrants have ⁤been⁤ encountered attempting to enter⁤ the ​United States, with 6 million entering illegally between‍ ports of entry, according to ⁢U.S. Customs and Border ​Protection‍ data. These figures far exceed the numbers encountered during the Trump and Obama administrations combined.

Mayorkas himself admitted in a private meeting with ‍Border​ Patrol officials that 85%⁤ of illegal immigrants caught at the border ​were⁢ released into the U.S.

Democrats ​Dismiss Impeachment​ Proceedings

Democrats have⁢ criticized the ​impeachment⁣ proceedings,⁤ calling them unfounded and accusing Republicans‍ of engaging in political stunts. ​House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated, “House Republicans have produced no ⁤evidence that Secretary Mayorkas has committed​ an impeachable⁤ offense. This is a political stunt‌ and a​ hit ⁢job ordered‍ by two people: ⁢Donald⁣ Trump​ and Marjorie Taylor Greene.”

Mississippi ​Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat​ on the committee,⁣ alleged that the impeachment effort was a distraction from ‍the GOP’s failures in governance. He said, “The‍ MAGA-led impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas ‍is a baseless sham, and the few rational Republicans left in the House know that – even if they refuse to‌ admit it.”

Mayorkas Remains Unfazed

In‌ response⁤ to ‌the Republican effort, Mayorkas sent a letter to the committee expressing his⁤ lack of concern. He stated, “I assure you​ that your⁤ false accusations do⁤ not rattle me ⁤and do not divert ⁤me from the law enforcement‌ and broader public service mission to which I have devoted⁢ most of my career⁤ and to which I remain⁣ devoted.”

What are the‍ accusations ⁢against Alejandro Mayorkas that have led to the ​impeachment effort against him in February 2021?

Of⁢ impeachment ​against him‍ in February​ 2021. They have accused ​Mayorkas of ​systematically failing ‌to secure the⁣ southern border and⁢ implement effective immigration‍ policies. The ‍recent surge of migrants crossing the border has only intensified these calls for his removal from office.

Democratic Response

On the other side of the aisle, Democrats argue that the impeachment‍ effort ⁢is ⁣purely partisan and lacks merit. They‍ accuse Republicans of using the situation at the border ⁢as a political tool ⁢to undermine the Biden ‌administration’s ⁢immigration agenda. Democrats argue⁣ that ‌Mayorkas has ‌been‍ working diligently to address the challenges at⁤ the border ‌and find compassionate solutions ‌for migrants seeking⁢ asylum.

They highlight the ⁢progress that ⁢has been made in reuniting ​families separated under the​ previous administration’s⁢ zero-tolerance policy and the efforts to‍ provide better care for unaccompanied minors.⁢ Democrats maintain that ⁤the⁤ impeachment is an unnecessary distraction from the real issues at hand and a waste of time and resources that could be better spent on comprehensive immigration reform.

Conclusion

The ⁢approval ‍of articles‍ of impeachment against Homeland Security‌ Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by the House Homeland Security Committee is a​ significant development that highlights the ⁤deep divisions surrounding immigration policies and border security. The move sets the stage for a ⁣potential floor vote, which could make Mayorkas ⁣the first Cabinet official to ⁤be​ impeached in‍ over a century.

While Republicans argue that Mayorkas’s ‍handling of the border crisis warrants impeachment, Democrats dismiss the ⁣effort as​ politically ​motivated⁢ and ‍lacking substance. The path⁢ forward is ‌uncertain, as the articles⁣ of impeachment will now undergo further‍ review before a full House vote.

Regardless of the outcome, ⁢this ⁣impeachment process further ​underscores⁢ the challenges ⁢facing the Biden administration in dealing with immigration reform. It serves as a reminder of the⁤ complex nature of border security and the need for comprehensive policy‍ solutions that take into account humanitarian concerns, national security, and‍ the rule ​of⁢ law.