Lawmakers push impeachment of Homeland Security secretary

House Republicans on Sunday released two articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tied to his handling of security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Members of the House Homeland Security Committee accused Mayorkas of refusing to enforce immigration laws and of “a breach of public trust,” according to the resolution. On Sunday, the DHS called the impeachment inquiry “baseless” and an attempt to undermine bipartisan negotiations on new border safety measures. The committee planned to meet Tuesday to review and finalize the articles before moving them to the House floor for a vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said the impeachment resolution would be put to a vote “as soon as possible” thereafter.

What is happening at the southern border? Texas’ attorney general on Friday rejected a DHS request to allow federal agents into a park in Eagle Pass that borders the Rio Grande. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas has the right to defend itself from a surge in illegal border crossings by installing razor wire. On Thursday, a group of 25 Republican governors signed a letter in support of Texas. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Friday said the states should focus on congressional efforts to reform border security policies.

Dig deeper: Read Addie Offereins’ report in Compassion about the escalating border showdown.