By Lisa Mascaro -
The Associated Press
The US House of Representatives is preparing to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over border security, a deeply partisan and highly unusual attack on a Cabinet official that has raised concerns among constitutional specialists. and a rebuke from Democrats.
Republican lawmakers argue that Mayorkas has “refused to comply” with immigration laws, resulting in a record surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, and has “violated the public trust” with his actions and comments.
The Lower House vote on the charges, which Democrats consider false and hardly grounds for impeachment, is scheduled for the next few hours.
It is the first time a sitting secretary has been impeached
: 148 years ago, Secretary of War William Belknap resigned shortly before the vote.
Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, at a Senate hearing, on October 31, 2023.Stephanie Scarbrough / AP
“It is very clear that Secretary Mayorkas has chosen the laws that he is going to apply,” said Congressman Mark Green, Republican of Tennessee and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, at a hearing before the vote.
The impeachment charges against Mayorkas come as border security quickly becomes a major political issue ahead of the 2024 election, a particularly aggressive trend of attack aimed at President Joe Biden by Republicans. led by the candidate who is leading the race for the presidential nomination, Donald Trump.
Record numbers of people have been arriving at the southern border, many fleeing countries around the world, in what Mayorkas calls an era of global migration.
Many migrants are seeking asylum and being conditionally released into the United States, arriving in cities that are not prepared to provide housing and other assistance while they wait for court proceedings that can take years to determine whether they can stay in the country.
House Democrats are expected to unite to vote against both articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, calling the process a sham for charges that do not meet constitutional standards for treason, bribery or “high crimes and misdemeanors.” "serious."
“This is a complete waste of time,” said Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., at Monday's hearing.
The Mayorkas impeachment trial quickly joined the House agenda after Republican efforts to impeach Biden over the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden, stalled and the investigation into the Biden family was delayed.