The United States House of Representatives, in a 214-213 vote on Tuesday, impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, marking the second attempt within a week. The charges, accusing Mayorkas of neglecting U.S. immigration laws, were backed by Republicans who argued that his actions contributed to an unprecedented surge of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border.
U.S. President Joe Biden dismissed the impeachment as “baseless,” condemning it as an unconstitutional and partisan move by House Republicans. Biden emphasized that history would not view their actions favorably. This marks the second instance in U.S. history where a Cabinet secretary faced impeachment.
Republicans, who gained control of the House after the 2022 midterms, accused Mayorkas of failing to enforce the law amid a surge in illegal migrants crossing the southern border. Mayorkas, who assumed the role in 2021, denied any wrongdoing, asserting his adherence to the Constitution.
Despite a failed attempt last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson scheduled a second vote, leading to Mayorkas facing a Senate trial on charges of willful non-compliance with the law and breach of public trust. The prospect of removing Mayorkas from office appears slim, requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. Many experts consider the impeachment a political maneuver and a futile effort.
The Department of Homeland Security labeled the impeachment effort, announced in January, as a distraction from crucial national security priorities and necessary immigration law reforms. The longstanding challenge of reforming immigration laws has hindered administrations, forcing Presidents to rely on limited authority to address changing migration patterns and the humanitarian crisis at the border.
President Biden’s efforts to secure bipartisan support for immigration reform collapsed, with House Republicans refusing cooperation. Despite promises to address border issues upon legislative passage, the deal disintegrated. Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer, a critic of Biden’s border policies, expressed skepticism, predicting Trump’s influence in rejecting any proposal aimed at reducing illegal immigration.
In a final plea on Jan. 30, Mayorkas urged the House Committee on Homeland Security, led by Republican Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, to drop the impeachment articles and redirect focus to other pressing issues.
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