House Judiciary Committee Hears from Mayorkas

by Sharon Rondeau

(Jul. 26, 2023) — Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is answering questions from members of the House Judiciary Committee as of 12:13 p.m. EDT Wednesday.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT, the scheduled hearing is available on the committee’s website and YouTube as of this writing.

According to The Wall Street Journal, during 2021 illegal immigration reached its “highest level in 21 years.”

However, according to Politico on July 18, “Illegal border crossings plunged in June to their lowest level since President Joe Biden’s first full month in office.”

In general, Republicans on the committee were critical of the job Mayorkas is doing, while Democrats defended it and complimented DHS for “keeping us safe.”

At 12:19, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX5) asked Mayorkas if he knew “who is funding” numerous “NGOs” (non-governmental organizations) which take in illegal aliens after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border. In response, Mayorkas stated, “We’re very grateful…for Congress’s support…” to which Gooden clarified that “the American taxpayer” is the ultimate source.

At 12:25, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA4) claimed Republicans are “demonizing the migrant” by blaming them for the delivery of fentanyl after Mayorkas said the majority of drug traffickers consist of “Americans.” She also accused Republicans of not wanting to “save lives.”

To Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN5), who asked Mayorkas to “rate himself” on his personal job performance, “It is the honor of my lifetime…” after which Spartz raised her voice, saying, “You’re not answering any questions…you came with that intent?”

Obviously upset, at 12:32 Spartz “yielded to Chairman Jordan.”

After Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA4) called Mayorkas “the most dishonest witness” he had ever seen, a Democrat called for a “point of order,” which Jordan declined to issue.

Following that, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD4) claimed Republicans scheduled the hearing for the purpose of “impeaching” Mayorkas and that he (Ivey) had “seen Articles of Impeachment” directed at White House occupant Joe Biden as well. Ivey claimed that some government officials have “had to move” as a result of “threats” because of Republicans’ demonization of them.