In a historic move, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, citing concerns over his management of the U.S.-Mexico border. This marks just the second time in U.S. history that a Cabinet secretary has faced the chamber’s harshest constitutional punishment.
The vote, which was 214 in favor to 213 opposed, with three Republicans crossing party lines to vote alongside Democrats, underscores the contentious nature of Mayorkas’ tenure. The effort to impeach him, led by Republicans, was portrayed as a means to hold him accountable for perceived failures in border security.
Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, emphasized the vote’s significance, urging the Senate to “do the right thing and remove Secretary Mayorkas from office following a thorough trial.”
However, the Senate, controlled by Democrats, is unlikely to convict Mayorkas, as a two-thirds majority would be required for removal from office.
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Responding to the impeachment, Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, condemned the move as baseless, stating, “House Republicans have falsely smeared a dedicated public servant.”
President Biden also criticized the impeachment, labeling it a “blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship” aimed at undermining Mayorkas. Mayorkas also said the push to impeach him had not shaken him.
“I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted,” he previously wrote in a letter to the committee.
It had looked like the vote was going to succeed, with three GOP defections, until Rep. Al Green was unexpectedly wheeled to the floor in his hospital scrubs after intestinal surgery. The Texas Democrat tied the vote at 215-215, defeating the resolution.
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A fourth Republican also switched his vote at the last minute to allow GOP leaders to bring up the vote again, making the final vote 214 in favor to 216 against.
The impeachment effort against Mayorkas stems from allegations by Republicans that he failed to enforce immigration laws effectively. They argue that Mayorkas should be held accountable for releasing migrants into the U.S. instead of detaining them pending court proceedings.
Mayorkas and Democrats have countered these claims, characterizing them as politically motivated. They stress the need for comprehensive immigration reform and increased resources for border security.
Legal experts from both sides have criticized the impeachment effort, arguing that Mayorkas’ actions do not meet the threshold for impeachment. Despite the challenges ahead, Republicans have vowed to continue their efforts.
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The successful vote follows a previous attempt last week, which was thwarted by a small group of Republicans who opposed impeachment. The three Republicans who voted last week against impeachment and stuck with their decision this week were Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, and Rep. Tom McClintock of California
The outcome of the impeachment proceedings will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of border security and immigration policy in the United States.
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