Representative Pat Fallon, a Republican from Texas, has taken swift action in the new Congress by filing articles of impeachment against Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, according to The Hill.
Rep. Fallon submitted the resolution on Jan 3, the opening day of the 118th Congress, although due to delays in electing a speaker, it was only officially filed on Monday.
The resolution accuses Mayorkas of “engaged in a pattern of conduct that is incompatible with his duties,” specifically citing a lack of control over the border as an issue.
This move comes at a busy time for the current administration, as Joe Biden recently visited the border and pledged to provide more resources to the officers patrolling the region.
Meanwhile, Mayorkas is currently in Mexico, holding meetings on various issues, including a shared migration agreement implemented by the Biden administration last week.
Republicans argue that the department has dismantled the border security measures put in place by former President Trump, causing chaos at the border.
The primary basis for the articles of impeachment is the claim that Mayorkas lied to Congress, citing two instances in which the secretary allegedly told lawmakers that the Southern border was under control.
“His willful actions erode our immigration system, undermine border patrol morale, and imperil American national security. He must be removed from office,” Rep. Fallon stated in a press release.
However, the resolution won’t move forward without further action from GOP leadership.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has previously stated, “House Republicans will investigate every order, every action and every failure will determine whether we can begin impeachment inquiry.”
