Yavapai News

On April 17, 2024, the House Committee on Homeland Security convened a hearing to scrutinize the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) FY2025 budget request and its associated priorities. The session featured now-impeached DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who faced intense questioning from Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ).

Rep. Crane criticized Secretary Mayorkas's tenure, asserting that he had overseen unprecedented illegal crossings and infiltration attempts by individuals on terror watchlists. "One thing that we can agree upon is that you’re doing a horrible job, sir, and that you needed to be impeached," stated Crane.

During the hearing, Rep. Crane pressed Secretary Mayorkas on his understanding of the Invasion Clause in the U.S. Constitution, which mandates federal protection against invasions. He presented data comparing border security measures between administrations, suggesting an increase in illegal activities under Mayorkas's leadership.

Secretary Mayorkas defended his record by expressing pride in supporting DHS personnel who enforce U.S. laws daily. “I am incredibly proud to support the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security who enforce the laws of the United States every single day,” he said.

Rep. Crane countered by highlighting low morale among Border Patrol agents and questioning whether Mayorkas had violated his oath to protect and defend the Constitution.

Mayorkas reiterated his commitment to advancing border security and supporting DHS staff: “I work every day quite proudly to advance the security of the border.”

The exchange continued with Rep. Crane questioning if adversaries might exploit perceived vulnerabilities at the southern border for unconventional warfare tactics.

In response to claims about removals versus admissions at the border, Secretary Mayorkas cited recent statistics: “Over the last eleven months, we have removed or returned 630,000 people, more than any fiscal year since 2013.”

Crane dismissed these figures as insufficient compared to those allowed entry: “Well, you’re bragging about how much you’ve returned, but you don’t want to brag about how many you’ve let in."