'This is how it’s done': Internet rejoices as Republicans vote to move ahead with impeachment process against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

WASHINGTON, DC: In a late-night session on Wednesday, January 31, House Republicans voted along party lines to advance the impeachment process against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The move comes amid accusations of a 'willful and systematic' refusal to enforce immigration laws, making it a rare charge against a Cabinet official – a sight unseen in nearly 150 years.

Intense Homeland Security committee debate

The Homeland Security Committee engaged in a day-long debate on Tuesday, extending into the night, ultimately recommending two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas. Border security, now a focal point in the 2024 election, has heightened tensions on the issue.

Committee Republicans unanimously supported the move, while Democrats stood united against it. Committee Chairman Mark Green voiced strong sentiments, stating, "We cannot allow this man to remain in office any longer."

The impeachment articles accuse Mayorkas of "refusing to comply with Federal immigration laws" amid a surge of migrants and of breaching the public trust by asserting to Congress that the US-Mexico border is secure.

The full House is anticipated to vote on Mayorkas' impeachment as early as next week. If approved, the charges would proceed to the Senate for a trial, potentially involving a special committee review beforehand.

Mayorkas, deeply involved in Senate talks on a bipartisan border security package, issued a letter to the committee urging collaboration with the Biden administration to address the nation's "broken and outdated" immigration laws.

"We need a legislative solution and only Congress can provide it," Mayorkas insisted in the letter directed at the panel's chairman.

Divided Capitol Hill

Democrats on the panel dismissed the proceedings as a stunt and a potential threat to civil servants involved in policy disputes. Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee's ranking Democrat, labeled it a "baseless sham."

"This is a terrible day for the committee, the United States, the Constitution, and our great country," he fumed. Speaking of Trump's 'Make America Great Again' campaign slogan, Thompson said the "MAGA-led impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas is a baseless sham."

The impeachment proceedings have created a divided Capitol Hill, as the Senate concurrently collaborates with Mayorkas on a bipartisan border security package. This package, seen as a potentially significant bipartisan immigration proposal, faces uncertain prospects amid political tensions.

Former President Donald Trump has reportedly attempted to influence the deal, expressing a preference for no bill over a perceived bad one. "I'd rather have no bill than a bad bill," Trump said over the weekend in Las Vegas.

President Joe Biden, on the other hand, signaled his willingness to take swift action if Congress provides emergency authority to address migration. "I've done all I can do," Biden told reporters Tuesday. "Give me the power' through legislation, which he said is something he's asked 'from the very day I got in office."

House Republicans focus their criticism on Mayorkas' handling of the southern border, citing a surge in migrants and challenges posed by drug cartels. Representative Elise Stefanik, a Trump ally often mentioned as a possible vice-presidential pick, called it an "invasion."

Republicans allege that the Biden administration either dismantled effective Trump-era policies or implemented measures encouraging illegal immigration. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden and Mayorkas for creating a border crisis, asserting blame for failing to update immigration laws on Congress.

Social Media Reactions

Social media platforms were inundated with reactions after the articles of impeachment were recommended against Mayorkas.

"It's about time," one posted on X.

"This is how it’s done. Now lock him up," another wrote.

"What took so long," someone else wondered.

"Pay attention to the 'no' votes. They need to be primaried and OUT of Congress," another insisted.