Major Controversies Surrounding Alejandro Mayorkas: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Alejandro Mayorkas.
Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas is an American attorney and government official who served as the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held prominent roles within the Department of Homeland Security, including Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (2009-2013) and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (2013-2016). His career has focused on immigration and homeland security matters within the U.S. government.
2000: Involvement in Carlos Vignali Jr. Clemency Efforts
In 2000, Mayorkas participated in efforts to obtain executive clemency for narcotics trafficker Carlos Vignali Jr.
January 2001: Clinton Commutes Vignali's Sentence
In January 2001, President Clinton commuted Carlos Vignali's 15-year prison sentence.
2013: OIG Investigation Begins
In 2013, an investigation began into Mayorkas's oversight of the EB-5 investor visa program by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG).
May 2015: House Homeland Security Committee Testimony
In May 2015, Mayorkas testified before the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the OIG report and expressed regret.
2015: OIG Report Criticizes EB-5 Oversight
In 2015, a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) report criticized Mayorkas's oversight of the EB-5 investor visa program.
September 2021: Controversy over Border Patrol Actions
In September 2021, a photo of Border Patrol agents controlling horses near Haitian migrants generated outrage; Mayorkas initially defended their actions but later condemned them and pledged to investigate.
April 27, 2022: Testimony on Disinformation Working Group
On April 27, 2022, Mayorkas testified regarding the Biden administration's implementation of a Disinformation Working Group in the DHS.
October 2022: Release of Emails Disproving 'Whipping' Claim
In October 2022, emails were released showing that Mayorkas received information disproving claims that Border Patrol agents were "whipping" Haitian migrants, leading to further criticism and calls for his impeachment.
November 9, 2023: Motion to Impeach Mayorkas Filed
On November 9, 2023, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to impeach Mayorkas, citing a dereliction of duty related to the Southern border.
January 17, 2024: House Passes Resolution Denouncing Border Handling
On January 17, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border by a vote of 225–187.
January 28, 2024: House Republicans Introduce Articles of Impeachment
On January 28, 2024, House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, alleging "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and breach of the public trust. The impeachment was criticized by constitutional legal scholars and Democrats.
January 31, 2024: House Committee Approves Impeachment Articles
On January 31, 2024, Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee approved the articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, referring them to the full House.
February 6, 2024: House Initially Votes Against Impeachment
On February 6, 2024, the House voted against impeaching Mayorkas, with the vote being 214–216.
February 13, 2024: House Votes to Impeach Mayorkas
On February 13, 2024, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas on a party-line vote of 214–213; making him the first federal official to be impeached based solely on policy disagreements, and the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years.
July 25, 2024: House Passes Another Resolution Condemning Border Handling
On July 25, 2024, the House of Representatives passed another resolution condemning the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border by a vote of 220–196.
2024: Impeachment by the House of Representatives
In 2024, Mayorkas was impeached by the House of Representatives for dereliction of duty, but the Senate voted to dismiss the charges on April 17.
