Mayorkas Dhs

Homeland Security Chief Survives Impeachment Try

Senate Votes, 52-48, to Reject Charges Against Mayorkas

GOP-Led House Accused Him of Dereliction of Duty, Abuse of Power

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has survived an impeachment attempt, with the Senate voting Wednesday, 52-48, to reject both articles of impeachment against him.

The GOP-led House had accused Mayorkas of "dereliction of duty" and "abuse of power" in handling the nation's immigration crisis. The charges stemmed from Mayorkas's decision to end the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" policy, which required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in U.S. courts.

Democrats defended Mayorkas, saying he was simply following the law and acting in the best interests of the country. They also accused Republicans of playing politics with the impeachment process.

"This impeachment was nothing more than a political stunt by the Republicans," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "They had no evidence to support their charges, and they knew that the Senate would not convict Secretary Mayorkas."

With the impeachment effort now behind him, Mayorkas can focus on his duties as head of the Department of Homeland Security. He has pledged to continue working to secure the nation's borders and enforce the nation's immigration laws.

"I am grateful for the Senate's vote of confidence," Mayorkas said in a statement. "I will continue to work hard every day to keep our country safe and secure."