In a bold move, Republicans have unveiled two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Despite two hearings yielding no evidence of wrongdoing, the GOP plans to advance the articles for a full House vote on Tuesday.
This political maneuver arises amidst the heated immigration debate in Washington, where a bipartisan agreement on border security faces challenges. On Sunday, a senior Democrat announced progress on the bipartisan front, while former President Donald Trump claimed credit for potentially undermining the agreement.
The first impeachment charge against Mayorkas alleges that he disregarded laws and court orders, leading to a surge in illegal immigration. The second charge accuses him of breaching public trust by making false statements and obstructing oversight of the Homeland Security Department.
Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Republican Congressman Mark Green of Tennessee, stated, "Congress has a duty to see that the executive branch implements and enforces the laws we have passed. Yet Secretary Mayorkas has repeatedly refused to do so."
In response, a homeland security official dismissed the charges as a "sham" and a distraction from critical national security priorities.
Critics, including many Republicans, question the impeachment push, expressing concerns about its potential impact on members running for re-election in competitive districts. During two public House committee meetings, no evidence supporting the allegations emerged. Constitutional scholars argue that attempting to impeach a cabinet secretary for policy decisions is an illegitimate move.
Frank Bowman, a professor at the University of Missouri School of Law, emphasized, "If the members of the committee disapprove of the Biden administration’s immigration and border policies, the constitution gives this Congress a wealth of legislative powers to change them. Impeachment is not one of them."
Mayorkas, a key player in bipartisan Senate negotiations on a border deal, has been instrumental in securing Republican support for U.S. aid related to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. President Joe Biden praised the negotiated reforms, emphasizing their toughness and fairness in securing the border.
Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy confirmed a bipartisan deal on border security, with a potential Senate vote in the coming days. However, the political landscape remains uncertain, with former President Trump attempting to influence the situation for his political agenda.
As the push for a deal faces challenges, Republicans like Mitch McConnell express a shift in political dynamics. Meanwhile, Trump takes credit for disrupting the agreement while actively supporting efforts to impeach Mayorkas.
The Congressional Integrity Project criticized Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, for obstructing the deal and simultaneously advocating for Mayorkas's impeachment. The group deemed the impeachment proceedings as "wrong" and predicted repercussions for Republicans, especially those in swing districts won by Biden in 2020.