As Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faces an impeachment push by House Republicans for what they see as a failure in his handling of the immigration crisis, President Biden said Tuesday that he has “done everything possible” to secure the U.S. border. ‘ he claimed.
“I’ve done everything I can. I just want you to give me the authority,” Biden told reporters as he left the White House.
“I asked them the day I took office,” Biden continued. “Give me Border Patrol. Give me judges. Give me the people who can stop this.”
The Biden administration has said it has increased the impact on illegal entry into the United States since Title 42 deportations ended last May, while expanding “legal channels” for immigrants. The report points to more than 500,000 people being forcibly displaced since May, and increased cooperation with Mexico to crack down on human smugglers and fentanyl trafficking.
Mayorkas slams Republicans’ ‘baseless’ allegations ahead of crucial impeachment vote
President Biden answers questions from reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, January 30, in Washington. (AP/Andrew Harnik)
The administration also said it was increasing removal flights, including direct flights to Venezuela. But the country has stressed that it needs more funding and comprehensive immigration reform to fix its “broken” system.
House Speaker Mike Johnson shared a video of Biden’s remarks about Mr. Raft,” he said.
“Here are just a few of the powers at the president’s disposal: immigration restriction power 212(f), summary removal power 235(b)(1), and discretionary detention, if he were to exercise them. Power 236(a), mandatory detention. 236(c). There is no more excuse,” Johnson added.
The White House has requested $14 billion in border funding as part of its request to Congress for additional funding, including aid to Ukraine and Israel. The request is being negotiated in Congress after Republicans called for further restrictions on asylum and the release of migrants into the interior.
Mr. Biden is pushing Congress to pass the deal, but House Republicans and some conservatives in the Senate say the reported proposals do not go far enough.
Texas Gov. Abbott claims Biden is violating federal law as border surge continues
U.S. Border Patrol agents watch over 2,000 migrants at a field processing center in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Dec. 18, 2023. (John Moore/Getty Images)
Asked on “The Faulkner Focus” on Tuesday whether Biden is doing everything he can, Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Protection Council, insisted “absolutely not.”
“The truth is, I’m tired of hearing all of his rhetoric. He offers no evidence,” Judd said. “The evidence is incontrovertible. [about] what is happening now? Secretary Mayorkas is complicit in allowing these individuals to violate our nation’s laws. If they don’t hold him accountable, Congress will be left alone.
“When you look at the total number of people who cross the border illegally and are released into the United States, what isn’t being talked about enough is what happens to those who are released into the United States,” Judd added. . “They never leave, ICE doesn’t come after them, ICE doesn’t deport them.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas holds a press conference on January 8 at the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Eagle Pass, Texas. He faces an impeachment push from House Republicans. (John Moore/Getty Images)
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The number of immigrants in 2013 was 2.4 million, but in December, the number officially reached 302,000, a new record. Republicans have accused Mayorkas of a “dereliction of duty” in his response, arguing that the crisis was fueled by massive inland releases and a rollback of Trump-era policies.
