WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) released the following statement regarding his vote to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas:

“Last night I voted to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Secretary Mayorkas has been Joe Biden’s chief aide in enabling the worst border crisis in generations – flagrantly violating immigration law and turning his back on his oath to protect American citizens. Because of his dereliction of duty, Texas and the entire nation have suffered grave consequences, including millions of unvetted migrants illegally crossing the border, fentanyl and other illicit drugs pouring into American neighborhoods, and human trafficking Cartels growing in power. When confronted on his failures, Mayorkas has deflected, declined responsibility, and repeatedly lied to Congress – myself included. It’s inexcusable, and he bears a major portion of the responsibility.

It’s important to remember that last night’s vote is only a small portion of the accountability needed regarding the ongoing border crisis. While he’s been a chief architect, Alejandro Mayorkas is far from the only culprit. Joe Biden and his White House have taken clear, deliberate steps to decimate America’s southern border security. They stopped wall construction, ended the successful ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, reinstated catch-and-release, and ended Title 42, among other terrible policies that tied the hands of border patrol and emboldened bad actors seeking to take advantage of our country. The Biden Administration allowed and encouraged this – and our people are bearing the brunt. Today’s impeachment is a start, but if House Republicans truly want to restore order to America’s southern border and bring accountability to this lawless administration, we have more work to do.

We should be willing to use every tool at our disposal to end this border disaster, and I look forward to working my colleagues to do just that.”

H.Res. 863 on impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas passed 214-213, a historic vote and only the second cabinet member in American history to be impeached. 

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