Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2024) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement after voting in support of the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for knowingly and systematically refusing to comply with federal immigration laws and breach of public trust. This impeachment vote follows a nearly yearlong investigation conducted by the House Homeland Security Committee, which found that Secretary Mayorkas is “chiefly responsible for the chaos and devastation that has unfolded over the past three years” at America’s borders. The Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas passed the House by a vote of 214 to 213.

“The primary role of the Secretary of Homeland Security is to ensure the security of our homeland. Effective control of our borders is critical to the safety and security of Americans. Secretary Mayorkas has failed to secure the border and has violated his oath of office. Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and deliberately subverted the laws of the United States of America and instructed his subordinates to do the same. The results of his actions has created unprecedented national security and humanitarian crises on our southern border.

“When ordered by a federal judge to reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy, Mr. Mayorkas refused. While testifying before Congress on numerous occasions, he promised Congressional lawmakers that the southern border was, “secure and fully operational,” even though he knew his testimony was misleading. His reckless behavior and open-border policies have endangered our communities, empowered drug cartels, and undercut efforts to combat illegal immigration.

“I do not take the power of impeachment lightly and have opposed impeachments when the actions did not rise to Constitutional criteria; however, Secretary Mayorkas’ behavior by intentionally subverting the law, and his conduct by ordering his subordinates to violate the law clearly rises to the Constitutional criteria of misdemeanors. It is the duty of Congress to provide effective oversight and accountability to the executive branch, and my vote to impeach Mr. Mayorkas is about ensuring that those who defy their oath of office and violate the public trust are held to the highest degree of accountability. When one branch of government deliberately subverts the lawful authority of the other two, it’s a major affront to our Constitution and warrants impeachment.”

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