Kevin McCarthy floated the possibility of impeaching Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas if he does not resign over the situation on the southern border.
POLITICONov 22, 2022
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Top House GOP Calls On DHS Security Chief to Resign
Last updated Nov 23, 2022
Image credit: AP [via PBS]Facts
- On Tuesday, top GOP in the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, called on Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to step down, saying that the House would open an investigation that could lead to his impeachment when Republicans take the majority.[1]
- McCarthy, who hopes to become the new House speaker in January, cited concern over Mayorkas' management at the southern US-Mexico border — a sentiment echoed by the GOP.[2]
- In a statement, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan said that his party will hold Mayorkas accountable for "his failure to enforce immigration law and secure the border through all means necessary."[3]
- McCarthy reportedly expects Mayorkas’ resignation by Jan. 3, when the new Congress will convene.[1]
- However, the Dept. of Homeland Security has made it clear that Mayorkas has no intention to follow through with a resignation.[4]
- McCarthy's calls come after a judge ordered the suspension of Title 42 — the COVID-era policy that authorizes officials to turn migrants away at the border.[4]
Spin
Democratic narrative
Secretary Mayorkas is doing his job and shouldn't be pressured to resign. He does what he can to enforce US laws, secure the border, and build a safe and orderly immigration system. McCarthy’s empty threat is nothing more than a cheap political ploy to win favor on his road to speakership.
Republican narrative
Mayorkas has failed the American people and is responsible for the largest-known wave of illegal immigration in US history. It's high time he is held accountable, and McCarthy is the ideal candidate to do this.
