House Republicans are initiating impeachment proceedings against Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, appointed by President Biden.
Lawmakers will argue that Mayorkas has committed serious crimes and misdemeanors in the way he has been handling the southern border of the country.
The controversial measure could make Mayorkas the first cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years.
The impeachment comes at a time when House Republicans are facing increasing pressure from their base to push the Biden administration on a key issue of the presidential campaign: the border.
Although key lawmakers are confident they have enough support to remove the DHS secretary, they can only afford to lose two votes given their slim majority.
However, several experts have poured cold water on the legal arguments that Republicans are using, stating that the evidence discussed does not constitute grounds for impeachment.
In the first article of impeachment, Republicans argue that Mayorkas failed to enforce U.S. immigration policies at the southern border, violated laws passed by Congress, and ignored court orders, allowing a record increase in immigration.
The second charge, of violating public trust, accuses Mayorkas of making false statements and obstructing oversight of the Department of Homeland Security.
Even if the impeachment process is successful in the House, it is unlikely that he will be convicted in a Senate trial. But the House’s action underscores the importance of the immigration issue in this election year.
Source: CNN