Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Impeached

In a narrow vote of 214-213, the House of Representatives has impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, marking the first time a sitting cabinet secretary has faced formal impeachment in American history. This move comes in the wake of allegations from House Republicans, who accuse Mayorkas of “high crimes and misdemeanors” for purportedly failing to enforce border security laws along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Unlike a historical precedent involving Secretary of War Alexander Belknap, who resigned moments before facing impeachment in 1876, Mayorkas retains the support of the Biden administration and will remain in his position. The Senate is now constitutionally obligated to conduct an impeachment trial, though Mayorkas is widely anticipated to be acquitted.

The House’s second attempt at impeaching Mayorkas occurred following a failed effort by House Republicans the previous week, where three Republicans broke ranks to oppose the resolution. This time, a simple majority sufficed for the impeachment to proceed.

Republicans assert that Mayorkas’ alleged disregard for border security laws necessitates his removal from office, while Democrats counter that Mayorkas is operating within legal boundaries. They further criticize Republicans for purportedly stalling negotiations on border legislation.

Earlier this month, bipartisan senators introduced a border crisis package, endorsed by the Border Patrol Union, aimed at addressing the issue. However, Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed it as unviable in the House.

Democrats accuse House Republicans of politicizing immigration instead of addressing the root problem, while Republicans contend that enforcing existing laws is sufficient to secure the border under President Biden’s administration.

By: Digital News Updates staff