Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s attempt to strengthen sections of the southern border with razor and concertina wire. Mayorkas argued that these barriers are ineffective as migrants can easily cut through them.
During a roundtable at Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters in Washington, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressed his belief that concertina wire is not an effective measure. He highlighted that it hampers the ability of Customs and Border Protection to carry out its responsibilities and noted that migrants have been able to cut through the wire with relative ease.
As part of the extensive Operation Lone Star campaign, Governor Abbott has given instructions for state National Guard troops to install concertina and razor wire, along with other barriers, along certain sections of the Texas-Mexico border. Currently, there is a legal dispute concerning the wire in federal court between Texas and the U.S. Justice Department.
According to Abbott, the barriers serve as a deterrent for migrants attempting to enter his state unlawfully, and he attributes them to the significant decrease in illegal border crossings along the Texas border since last year. He further asserts that Texas’ proactive measures, such as arresting migrants on trespassing charges, have caused a shift in migrant crossings towards Arizona and California in recent months.
Mayorkas, however, challenged Abbott’s assertion on Friday, arguing that certain sections of the Texas-Mexico border had been reinforced with razor wire in late 2020. This action was taken during a period of heightened migrant crossings, including in the border town of Eagle Pass.
According to Mayorkas, Governor Abbott of Texas has claimed credit for a decrease in the number of encounters. Mayorkas acknowledges that the tools employed by Governor Abbott were already in effect in December and January. He refrains from commenting on the legality of these tools, as that is currently being litigated in court.
Mayorkas added that attributing the decrease in the number of encounters to anything he has done would be contradicted by the facts.
Abbott’s representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding Mayorkas’ remarks.
Under Abbott’s leadership, Texas has taken bold and unprecedented steps to challenge the federal government’s authority in shaping border and immigration policies.
Texas not only made trespassing arrests and used barriers and National Guard troops but also transported tens of thousands of migrants to Democratic-led cities without informing local authorities. Back in January, the Texas National Guard took control of a public park in Eagle Pass and has since prevented federal Border Patrol agents from processing migrants in that area.
Texas has taken steps to enforce one of the most stringent state immigration laws in U.S. history. The law, called SB4, aims to equip Texas officials with the authority to detain and incarcerate migrants on misdemeanor or felony charges if there are suspicions of unauthorized entry into the U.S. It also grants them the power to issue orders for these individuals to return to Mexico. However, the law is currently on hold as its legality is being evaluated by a federal appeals court.
According to Mayorkas, he cannot provide extensive details about SB4 due to the ongoing court case. However, he emphasized that the federal government firmly believes that immigration policy falls under its exclusive jurisdiction.
Mayorkas accused Texas of attempting to sow chaos with its border initiatives.
“We believe that responsible governance necessitates individuals in positions of authority to effectively communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with one another. Purposefully refusing to do so, in an attempt to create chaos, is not a responsible form of governance,” he stated.
Alejandro Mayorkas, a former child refugee from Cuba, has become a central figure in the heated national discourse surrounding immigration policy. This debate has gained momentum in recent years, particularly due to the surge in migrant apprehensions at the southern border since President Biden assumed office.
In a historic move, Alejandro Mayorkas, the former Secretary of Homeland Security, faced impeachment earlier this year. The Republican-led House of Representatives accused him of breaching the public’s trust and not effectively enforcing immigration laws. This made Mayorkas the first cabinet secretary to be impeached since the 1870s. It’s important to note that Mayorkas wasn’t accused of any personal misconduct. Democrats argue that the impeachment was solely motivated by policy differences regarding immigration.
On Wednesday, the House impeachment managers are anticipated to hand over the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which is currently under Democratic control. Coincidentally, this is also the day when Mayorkas is scheduled to testify before two congressional committees for funding hearings.
During a recent statement, Mayorkas emphasized his commitment to his current responsibilities and stated that he has not yet considered his preference regarding whether the Senate should proceed with a trial or swiftly dismiss the impeachment articles.
Mayorkas emphasized his lack of focus on the impeachment proceedings, stating, “When I say that I am not focused on the impeachment proceedings, I actually mean it.” He expressed his hope that his time will not be diverted from his work, adding, “It is my hope that my time is not taken away from my work.”
