The Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate swiftly dismissed impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, marking the end of a Republican-led effort-initiated months ago in the House of Representatives.
The charges, accusing Mayorkas of neglecting border laws and providing false information to Congress amid a surge in illegal immigration under President Joe Biden‘s administration, were rejected in partisan Senate votes.
Amidst heightened concerns over immigration, fueled by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump‘s campaign focus, the Senate’s decision reflects a broader political divide on border policies.
Mayorkas, supported by Biden’s administration, denied any wrongdoing, framing the impeachment attempt as a misuse of power.
The White House denounced the impeachment as baseless, criticizing House Republicans for politicizing border security instead of pursuing bipartisan reforms.
Previous attempts to address immigration through legislation faced challenges, including Trump’s opposition to a bipartisan Senate deal earlier this year.
Internal agency data revealed over a million migrant arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border in the past six months, mirroring record levels during Biden’s tenure. Mayorkas attributed the influx to Congress’s failure to update immigration laws, emphasizing the need for reform.
The House impeachment process encountered hurdles, initially failing before gaining traction in a subsequent vote.
However, the Senate’s dismissal spared Mayorkas from a trial, drawing protests from Republican senators who advocated for a thorough examination of the charges.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer orchestrated the outcome, avoiding a trial that could have jeopardized Mayorkas’s cabinet position.
While Senate Republicans called for a comprehensive review, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned against evading responsibility amidst border crises.
