House Republicans Unsuccessful in Impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas, US Homeland Security Secretary

The attempt to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border has been unsuccessful. Four Republicans broke ranks with their party and voted against impeachment, joining all Democratic members in a 216-214 vote. Critics of President Joe Biden blame Mayorkas for the surge in illegal immigration at the border, but the White House defended him, saying there was no justification for his removal. Even if the impeachment had passed in the House, it was unlikely to be upheld by the Democratic-controlled Senate. The impeachment proceedings were initiated by Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and are expected to continue despite the failed vote. Mayorkas' critics argue that the measures fail to identify an impeachable crime committed by him and stretch the boundaries of the Constitution. Impeachment is the initial step in removing a federal official, but ultimate removal from office requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. It has been almost 150 years since a cabinet secretary has been impeached. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the baseless impeachment, stating that it faces bipartisan opposition and is considered unconstitutional by legal experts. The focus on border security has grown in importance for the Biden administration, with almost half of Americans viewing the situation at the border as a crisis. Over 6.3 million migrants have entered the US illegally since Biden took office, with 2.4 million allowed into the country while they await immigration court dates. The overwhelmed system often results in lengthy waits for individuals to present their case for asylum. In other news, a bipartisan group of senators announced a bill aimed at strengthening border enforcement and providing additional aid to Ukraine and Israel, but House Republicans have outright rejected this proposal.