Mayorkas Impeachment Trial Begins in Senate Amid Partisan Clash

The Senate is set to begin the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, marking the first time a sitting Cabinet member has faced such proceedings.

House Republicans delivered two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, accusing him of a "willful and systemic refusal to comply with federal immigration law" and a "breach of public trust" over his handling of the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The impeachment managers, led by House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, argue that Mayorkas failed to follow detention and removal requirements, ignored the requirement for expedited removals, and abused the administration's humanitarian parole authority. They also claim that Mayorkas made false statements to Congress about the security of the southern border.

Senate Democrats have indicated they plan to move quickly to dismiss the impeachment process, as they hold a slim 51-49 majority and a two-thirds vote is required for conviction. However, Republicans are pushing for a full trial, arguing that the Senate has a responsibility to consider the charges. The exact path forward remains unclear, with negotiations underway between the two parties over whether the Senate may allow time for debate before a potential dismissal of the charges.

Why this matters: The impeachment of Mayorkas has escalated the clash between congressional Republicans and the Biden administration over immigration policy. It also raises questions about the use of impeachment to settle policy disagreements and the potential impact on future impeachment proceedings against Cabinet officials.

House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that Mayorkas and President Biden have allowed chaos at the southern border, with increasing numbers of terrorists, gang members, and fentanyl flooding into the country.

However, constitutional scholars have called the case against Mayorkas groundless, arguing that the allegations do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses. The Senate is expected to swear in lawmakers as jurors on Wednesday, but the chances of a full-scale trial are slim, with Democrats largely expected to pursue dismissal or referral of the trial to a committee.

Key Takeaways

• Senate to begin impeachment trial of DHS Secretary Mayorkas on Wed.
• House GOP accuses Mayorkas of failing to enforce immigration laws.
• Senate Dems likely to move quickly to dismiss impeachment process.
• Impeachment raises questions about using it to settle policy disputes.
• Chances of full-scale trial are slim, with Dems pursuing dismissal.