In the wake of a tragic border incident, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has initiated a bold legislative action.
Following the untimely deaths of two constituents in a border-related incident, Rep. Greene introduced a resolution to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, alleging his negligence in border security matters.
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Greene took to the floor of the House to formally present her impeachment resolution. This move came just a day after the fatal accident near the U.S.-Mexico border that claimed the lives of Northwest Georgia residents Jose and Isabel Lerma.
The Lermas, parents to five children, were killed when their vehicle was struck head-on by a human smuggler attempting to evade law enforcement. The aftermath of this incident has now been thrown into the national spotlight, serving as the catalyst for Greene's impeachment resolution.
Due to its privileged status, this resolution is slated to be addressed by the House within two legislative days. This schedule could potentially lead to a House vote as early as next week.
In a public pronouncement via social media, Greene attributed the deaths of the Lermas to Mayorkas' alleged failure to uphold immigration laws and secure the border.
During her House floor speech, Greene delineated what she termed as "high crimes and misdemeanors." These, she argued, fulfill the requirements for impeachment.
Key among her accusations was Mayorkas' alleged inability to maintain operational control of the border, a violation, she claims, of immigration law. Additionally, she criticized his practice of "catch and release" policies.
Greene went further, suggesting that Mayorkas had effectively enabled an "invasion" of approximately 10 million migrants across the U.S.'s southern border.
Mayorkas and the ongoing border crisis have become central issues for Republicans seeking to challenge the Biden administration. This impeachment resolution is the latest development in that political strategy.
Rep. Greene quoted in her speech to the House:
"Rather than adhering to an oath he took to defend and secure our country and uphold the Constitution when he was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas has engaged in a pattern of conduct that is incompatible with the laws of the United States."
She also accused Mayorkas of violating the Secure Fence Act of 2006 by failing to maintain operational control of the border, leading to the admission of "border crossers, terrorist human traffickers, drugs, and other contraband."
The House is expected to address Greene's resolution next week, given its privileged status. This will likely lead to a floor vote, a move that underscores the urgency and gravity with which Greene and her supporters are pursuing this matter.
The resolution, irrespective of its outcome, signifies a deepening political divide over immigration and border security policies in the United States.
It also highlights the growing use of impeachment as a political tool by lawmakers to address grievances and policy disagreements.
