U.S. News
Impeachment of Biden Homeland Security head Mayorkas moves forward
By Jake Beardslee · January 3, 2024
In brief…
- House Republicans moving ahead with plans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
- Impeachment effort related to Mayorkas's oversight of the southern border.
- Resolution passed House in November vote, but 8 Republicans broke ranks to oppose it.
- Department of Homeland Security defends Mayorkas against "baseless" impeachment push.
House Republicans are moving forward with impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas despite opposition from some in their own party.
The impeachment effort comes after a November vote to advance the proceedings. While the measure passed the House 209-201, eight Republicans broke ranks and voted alongside Democrats against the resolution, according to CNN.
In response to the impeachment plans, the Department of Homeland Security defended Mayorkas’s leadership. Spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg called the moves a “baseless political exercise” and a “harmful distraction from our critical national security priorities.” She stated the department will continue its work to protect the American people under Mayorkas.
The impeachment resolution was introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who argued Mayorkas has failed in his oversight of the border. Her measure forced Republican leadership to hold a floor vote in November despite some reservations within the party.
While House Republicans now have the votes to approve articles of impeachment, the effort still faces an uphill battle in the Democratic-controlled Senate. However, the impeachment proceedings threaten to further inflame partisan tensions over immigration policies.