Why Hasn’t the GOP Yet Walked the Walk on Its Mayorkas Impeachment Talk?

During the 2022 midterm elections, Republican candidates emphasized border control, with many vowing to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whom they largely blame for illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Mexico. Since taking control of the House, Republicans have continued to criticize Mayorkas, with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan calling the flooding of over 5 million illegal immigrants across the southern border an “intentional” policy. Despite this, the GOP has taken little action to remove Mayorkas, with only two Republicans publicly calling for his impeachment. Conservative groups focused on the southern border told RealClearInvestigations that impeachment did not come up during recent meetings in Washington, and some Republicans fear that following through on impeachment talk will alienate moderate swing voters, potentially costing them control of the House. While Republican Representatives Andy Biggs and Pat Fallon have each filed bills for Mayorkas’ impeachment, the House Judiciary Committee, which must lead any impeachment effort, has not taken up either resolution.

Mayorkas has said he has no intention of resigning, and a government contract was signed with law firm Debevoise & Plimpton to provide legal assistance to Mayorkas for his defense against a possible impeachment. The contract would only become valid if the Judiciary Committee moved an impeachment motion to the House floor, and Biden administration officials familiar with it said it was necessary because the impeachment of a cabinet secretary is so rare that none of its legal staff has any relevant experience.