WASHINGTON — The U.S. House has opened debate ready to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Tuesday over border security, a deeply partisan and highly unusual attack on a Cabinet official that has drawn concerns from constitutional scholars and rebuke from Democrats.
U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, chairman emeritus and senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson to be a manager for the Senate impeachment trial. The House of Representatives confirmed his nomination Tuesday.
Republicans in the House argue that Mayorkas has “refused to comply” with immigration laws, resulting in the record surge of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, and has “breached the public trust” by his actions and comments. The House vote on the charges, which Democrats say are untrue and hardly grounds for impeachment, is set for the afternoon — but it's unclear if Republicans have enough support.
“Secretary Mayorkas took an oath to protect our nation from all enemies, both foreign and domestic,” said Rep. McCaul. “By refusing to enforce our nation’s laws, he has violated that oath — and every Texan knows it. An architect of destruction at our southern border, the secretary has caused serious injury to society, as the Founding Fathers discussed. I’m honored the speaker has given me this opportunity to use my experience as a federal prosecutor to stand up for our Constitution and the safety of the American people.”
Not since 1876 has a Cabinet secretary faced impeachment charges and it's the first time a sitting secretary is being impeached — 148 years ago, Secretary of War William Belknap resigned just before the vote.
The impeachment charges against Mayorkas come as border security is fast becoming a top political issue in the 2024 election, a particularly potent line of attack being leveled at President Joe Biden by Republicans, led by the party's front-runner for the presidential nomination, Donald Trump.
The House Democrats are expected to unite against the two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, calling the proceedings a sham over charges that do not rise to the Constitution's bar of treason, bribery or “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
“A bunch of garbage,” said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., ahead of a procedural vote. He called Mayorkas “a good man, a decent man” who is simply trying to do his job.
Even if Republicans are able to impeach Mayorkas, he is not expected to be convicted in a Senate trial where Republican senators have been cool to the effort. The Senate could simply refer the matter to a committee for its own investigation, delaying immediate action.