In a politically charged move, the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives delivered two impeachment articles against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Democratic-controlled Senate on Tuesday.
The charges included accusations of failure to enforce immigration laws and lying to Congress. This effort comes amidst heightened concerns over illegal immigration, with voters prioritizing immigration as a key issue leading up to the next presidential and congressional elections.
Senators were sworn in as jurors for a trial expected to last at least a week, although Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer is anticipated to seek an immediate end to the proceedings, arguing that the impeachment lacks merit and is driven by political motives.
Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the move, highlighting that the Senate had never before agreed to dismiss impeachment articles without a trial, regardless of the political affiliation of the accused.
Meanwhile, Mayorkas, who denies the charges, faced intense scrutiny during a three-hour testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, where impeachment overshadowed discussions about the agency’s budget.
Some lawmakers have questioned the timing of the impeachment amidst pressing global concerns, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
Despite Republican claims of a border crisis endangering national security, the House had delayed sending the impeachment articles to the Senate despite their initial approval two months prior.
Former President Donald Trump, a vocal critic of Biden’s immigration policies, has also influenced the discourse, pushing for tougher border measures and perpetuating baseless claims of electoral fraud.
As Senate Republicans clash with Schumer over the trial’s dismissal, procedural hurdles have impeded regular Senate operations.
Mayorkas becomes only the second cabinet official in history to face impeachment, highlighting the divisive nature of U.S. politics.
