House Republicans to Present Articles of Impeachment Against DHS Secretary Mayorkas

Republicans seek to impeach Homeland Security Secretary

House Republicans are preparing to present articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate upon the conclusion of the next month's congressional recess. This initiation will provoke a clash over an impeachment trial in the upper chamber, which Democrats are anticipated to swiftly quash.

Speaker Mike Johnson and the House impeachment managers communicated their intention to present the Senate with the impeachment articles on Wednesday, April 10, upon the return of both chambers from a two-week break.

Impeachment Trial and Arguments

Speaker Johnson expressed, "If he cares about the Constitution and ending the devastation caused by Biden's border catastrophe, Senator Schumer will quickly schedule a full public trial and hear the arguments put forth by our impeachment managers."

House's Action and Impeachment Managers

Last month, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas, marking the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary in nearly 150 years. The impeachment managers include Reps. Mark Green of Tennessee, Michael McCaul of Texas, Andy Biggs of Arizona, and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, among others.

Reason Behind Impeachment

Congressional Republicans have moved to impeach Mayorkas due to their discontent with the Biden administration's management of the U.S.-Mexico border. They accuse the secretary of failing to enforce the nation's laws and detain thousands of migrants, despite resistance from the Department of Homeland Security, Democrats, and a small faction of Republicans.

The two articles of impeachment allege Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and a "breach of public trust."

Senate's Role in the Impeachment Process

Impeachment is the initial step in removing an official from office. While the House is responsible for impeachment, the Senate has the authority to hold a trial, potentially leading to removal from office.

Once the House transmits the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber, the Senate must schedule a trial to begin the next legislative day. However, once convened, all decisions are made by a majority. With Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents controlling 51 seats, they could take various paths forward, potentially expediting, delaying, or dismissing the impeachment if they remain united.

Upcoming Trial Proceedings

After the House impeachment managers present the impeachment articles to the upper chamber, senators are expected to be sworn in as jurors the following day, with Sen. Patty Murray presiding over the trial.