On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas admitted that a majority of undocumented immigrants at the border are indeed being released into the U.S. He emphasized, however, the significant number of deportations carried out by the administration.
“I know the data”
On “Special Report,” Mayorkas responded to anchor Bret Baier’s questions regarding reports from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources. These sources claim over 70% of migrants are being released daily.
Are Congress-Passed Laws Being Enforced?
“It would not surprise me at all. I know the data,” Mayorkas stated. “And I will tell you that when individuals are released, they are released into immigration enforcement proceedings. They are on alternatives to detention. And we have returned or removed a record number of individuals. We are enforcing the laws that Congress has passed. “
Fix the “Broken” System
Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas also revealed that the number of migrants released into the U.S. annually exceeds a million. He repeatedly called on Congress to provide additional funding and to enact immigration reform to fix what he labels a “broken” system.
Budget Boundaries
Mayorkas noted that the financial resources provided by Congress limit the department’s detention capabilities. “When somebody enters the country, we place them in immigration enforcement proceedings pursuant to immigration law, and if their claim for relief, their claim to remain in the United States succeeds, then by law they are able to stay here,” he explained.
Ongoing Border Crisis
Secretary Mayorkas’ comments come amidst mounting scrutiny over the Biden administration’s management of the situation at the southern border, providing insight into the challenges and the administration’s approach to addressing the ongoing crisis.
A Look at the Numbers
In December 2023, there were more than 302,000 migrant encounters, part of a record 2.4 million in FY 2023. An ICE report showed an increase in removals to 142,580 illegal immigrants in FY 2023, a rise from the previous years but still below the peak during the Trump administration in FY 2019.
Biden’s Border Policies Blamed
While the administration is advocating for more comprehensive legislative reform and funding, Republicans attribute the crisis to the Biden administration’s policies, such as the reversal of Trump-era policies, limited ICE enforcement, and increased interior releases.
Impeachment Demands Rise
Calls for Mayorkas’ impeachment are growing, with hearings on the issue scheduled next week. In a statement to CNN, a spokesperson for the House Committee on Homeland Security said that for nearly a year, the committee has been thoroughly investigating Secretary Mayorkas’s management and involvement in the extraordinary crisis at the Southwest border.
The spokesperson added, “Following the bipartisan vote in the House to refer articles of impeachment against the secretary to our Committee, we will be conducting hearings and taking up those articles in the coming weeks.”
Immigration Policies Under GOP Fire
Amidst immigration becoming a prominent issue in the 2024 presidential election, the announcement of impeachment proceedings is particularly timely. Republicans are vehemently criticizing President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson, accompanied by fellow Republicans, visited one of the busiest sectors of the US-Mexico border.
This visit follows a recent surge in migrant numbers at the border.
“Playing Games”
A senior administration official responded to Johnson’s planned visit, accusing the House Speaker of “playing games” and urging him to “stop playing politics” and focus on passing significant reforms.
Migrant Releases Soar
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that since the termination of Title 42 in May, it has removed over 470,000 people, surpassing the total removals in FY 2019. Additionally, DHS is focusing on expanding the use of expedited removal and increasing deportation flights to Venezuela.
Undocumented immigrants
Meanwhile, over 5,000 undocumented immigrants are being released daily into the U.S. interior, according to officials. This figure does not account for migrants admitted at ports of entry who have utilized the CBP One app.
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