Rep. Josh Brecheen, a Republican from Oklahoma, voiced strong criticism against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during an appearance on Newsmax’s “National Report.”
Brecheen argued that Mayorkas has failed to fulfill his duties, specifically accusing him of disregarding U.S. laws on immigration enforcement as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
According to Brecheen, this act, which was established in the 1950s and had bipartisan support, mandates that individuals who enter the U.S. illegally must be detained until their proceedings are held.
Mayorkas (Credits: CNN)
He expressed his concern that Mayorkas has positioned himself above this law, which he sees as a violation of the Constitution’s supremacy clause in Article VI.
Highlighting the constitutional provision for impeachment as a corrective tool, Brecheen argued that it serves to check and control ‘executive servants’ of the government, including civil servants like Mayorkas.
He referenced the Federalist Papers, No. 65, which discusses impeachment as a legislative bridle on the executive branch, suggesting that this historical perspective supports the action taken against Mayorkas.
The congressman used the metaphor of a bridle, a device used to control horses—a common mode of transportation in the founding era—to emphasize the intent of impeachment: to rein in government officials who exceed their authority or fail in their duties.
Brecheen’s comments came after the House of Representatives had already delivered articles of impeachment against Mayorkas to the Senate. However, he expressed skepticism about the outcome, given the current Democratic control of the Senate, which he believes will likely lead to the dismissal of the impeachment articles.
Chief Alejandro Mayorkas (Credits: NPR)
During a House appropriations hearing, Mayorkas attributed the surge in migrants at the southern U.S. border to broader global migration trends in the southern hemisphere, a claim that Brecheen disputes.
The congressman described the situation as a “land rush for illegals,” exacerbated by what he perceives as the current administration’s welcoming policies, which he believes encourage illegal immigration.
This contentious issue reflects the deep political divide in Congress and highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and border security in the United States.
