Senate Dismisses Impeachment Charges Against Secretary Mayorkas

The Senate rejected the impeachment charges brought against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

For Context: In February, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted to impeach Mayorkas, accusing him of failing to enforce immigration policy at the southern border amid a surge in border crossings. The impeachment was always expected to fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Details: The two articles of impeachment, both alleging a “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law,” were dismissed. The first count was dismissed in a 51-48 vote, with all Democrats voting in favor of dismissal and all but one Republican voting against. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted “present.” The vote to dismiss the second article of impeachment passed following a 51-49 vote along party lines.

Key Quotes: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Shumer (D-NY) called the impeachment the “least legitimate, least substantive and most politicized impeachment trial ever,” arguing, “To validate this gross abuse by the House would be a grave mistake and could set a dangerous precedent for the future.” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) pushed back on this, arguing that “Tabling articles of impeachment would be unprecedented in the history of the Senate.”

How the Media Covered It: New York Times (Lean Left bias) stated that Mayorkas “was never accused of corruption or of any crime other than carrying out immigration policies that Republicans oppose.” The Wall Street Journal (Center bias) stated that Republicans have pursued “politically laden charges against Democrats” since gaining control of the House in 2022.