North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has delivered remarks during the first impeachment hearing of Secretary Mayorkas, highlighting the impact of the Secretary's failed leadership on the states. McCaul, chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security, expressed his concerns about the border crisis and accused Mayorkas of emboldening criminal enterprises and facilitating the largest human trafficking scheme in his lifetime.

McCaul began his remarks by emphasizing the seriousness of the occasion, stating, "This is a solemn occasion. Probably the most serious obligation we have in this committee." He drew attention to the historical significance of a cabinet member impeachment, noting that the last such impeachment occurred during Ulysses S. Grant's administration.

The congressman, drawing on his extensive experience in law enforcement and national security, criticized Mayorkas for his handling of the border crisis. McCaul claimed that Mayorkas had violated his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States by disregarding federal law regarding the detention and removal of aliens convicted of crimes and those with removal orders from immigration courts.

McCaul specifically highlighted Mayorkas' decision to rescind the Remain in Mexico policy, also known as the Migrant Protection Protocol. He argued that this decision had caused the border situation to spiral out of control, stating, "He took that power away from his law enforcement officers." McCaul referenced former Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who had emphasized the importance of deporting individuals at the end of the immigration process for the system to be credible.

The congressman then presented alarming statistics to support his argument against Mayorkas' leadership. He cited that there had been 8 million encounters at the border under the current administration, with 2.3 million undocumented individuals residing in the interior of the United States. McCaul stressed the national security implications, noting that over 300 individuals on the terror watch list had managed to enter the country.

McCaul also raised concerns about the devastating impact of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, on American lives. He stated, "Over 200,000 Americans have died from fentanyl... The Secretary has emboldened a criminal enterprise and the biggest human trafficking scheme in my lifetime." These remarks underscored the congressman's belief that Mayorkas' failed leadership had facilitated the growth of criminal activities.

Furthermore, McCaul discussed the termination of the Migrant Protection Protocol and highlighted the discontent among border officials. He recounted how, during Mayorkas' visit to the border, agents turned their backs on the Secretary, expressing their frustration with his actions.

The congressman highlighted the financial burden borne by his state, Texas, due to the border crisis. He revealed that Texas had spent almost $14 billion during this cycle, with $9.6 billion allocated to Operation Lone Star. McCaul mentioned how Governor Greg Abbott had transported undocumented individuals to sanctuary cities and states to showcase the challenges faced by Texas and other states. He also referred to the Supreme Court's acknowledgment of the damage caused by Mayorkas' decisions but noted that the court deemed the issue as one for Congress to address.

McCaul then provided a legal justification for the impeachment proceedings, referring to the Founding Fathers' beliefs on impeachable offenses. He mentioned Alexander Hamilton's assertion that abuse or violation of public trust qualified as impeachable offenses. McCaul argued that Mayorkas' dereliction of duty constituted a profound violation of public trust, citing Justice Story's Supreme Court opinion that a violation of public trust is sufficient grounds for impeachment.

In conclusion, McCaul questioned the harm inflicted on society by Mayorkas' actions, stating, "My God, what about the injury done to society that we've seen?" The congressman's remarks emphasized his belief that Secretary Mayorkas' failed leadership warranted impeachment and drew attention to the significant impact of the border crisis on the United States.