Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Impeachment Case Sent to Senate
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faces impeachment charges delivered by House impeachment managers chosen by Republican leaders.
Only the second Cabinet secretary in US history to face such charges, Mayorkas is accused of failing to enforce border laws during a migrant surge at the US-Mexico border, ABC News reports.
The charges against Mayorkas, including "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and "breach of public trust," were presented by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green.
Mayorkas denies the allegations, with a Homeland Security official arguing that mandatory detention of all migrants is impractical.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell emphasized that failing to fulfill their responsibility and giving the charges the thorough consideration they deserve would diminish the Senate's dignity.
He strongly opposes any move to table the articles of impeachment and avoid addressing the border crisis under the Biden administration.
House Republicans Present Charges
Eleven House Republicans ceremonially presented charges against Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the Senate, accusing him of poor performance rather than specific criminal acts.
This departure from the constitutional standard for Mayorkas impeachment drew criticism, especially from Democrats.
In February, the House narrowly approved the articles despite Democratic opposition, but Senate transmission was delayed by GOP leaders, according to the New York Times.
The Senate will commence trial proceedings, with juror's swearing-in on Wednesday at 1 PM. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed the schedule.
Senate discussions included trial logistics and allowing Republican objections before dismissal.
Schumer criticized the impeachment, deeming it chaotic and highlighting the GOP's focus on border issues.
Legal experts like Ross Garber criticized the lack of evidence for impeachment, suggesting politically driven motives.
Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law expert called upon by Republicans to testify in hearings, asserted, "There is no present evidence indicating his corruption or involvement in an impeachable offense." Over twenty law professors articulated in an open letter that impeaching Mayorkas would be "completely unwarranted from a constitutional standpoint."
Impeachment Articles Sent to the Senate
Johnson informed Schumer of his intention to send the impeachment articles to the Senate, citing Mayorkas' alleged instructions to break immigration laws.
House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green claimed serious crimes by Mayorkas, citing Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's remarks on using impeachment in inter-branch disputes.
Democrats criticized the impeachment as a misuse of the constitutional process, emphasizing policy differences rather than criminal acts, CNN noted.
Legal experts and former officials questioned the seriousness and evidence behind the accusations.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer has not specified the trial's procedural handling but aims to conclude it quickly.
Some Republican senators seek a full trial, while others anticipate a swift dismissal. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray will oversee the proceedings.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' impeachment reflects political tensions over immigration policy.
While the charges allege serious misconduct, critics question the evidence and motives behind the impeachment.
As the Senate prepares for trial proceedings, the outcome remains uncertain, with both parties maneuvering to assert their positions on border security and constitutional responsibilities.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Ross Key
WATCH: Impeachment articles against Alejandro Mayorkas sent to the Senate - From KVUE
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