Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a robust defense against the impeachment articles levied against him, denouncing the allegations as “false” and urging Congress to address immigration issues through legislation.
In a letter addressed to Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., Mayorkas responded to the impeachment articles on the same day that the House Homeland Security Committee planned to mark them up for a House vote. While Mayorkas had not testified before the committee, this marked the first time he directly addressed Chairman Green regarding the impeachment efforts, according to Punchbowl News.
Mayorkas affirmed his willingness to testify before the committee on the impeachment inquiry, although he noted that the panel had not responded to his offer.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by 21st-century migration patterns, Mayorkas emphasized the need for legislative solutions, urging Congress to allocate funding for more law enforcement personnel and border equipment to address mass migration facilitated by human smuggling organizations.
He refuted claims of lax enforcement, asserting the administration’s commitment to upholding immigration laws. The secretary emphasized the provision of extensive testimony, documents, briefings, and other information to Congress and the committee, demonstrating compliance with the law.
The impeachment articles accuse Mayorkas of “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law” and “breach of public trust,” amid record levels of illegal immigration.
A potential vote on Mayorkas’ impeachment may occur before the week’s end, though his removal from office remains unlikely due to the two-thirds vote requirement in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Responding to Mayorkas’ letter, Chairman Green criticized the same-day defense as “inadequate and unbecoming of a Cabinet secretary.”
