Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wanted the public to know he wasn’t smiling Wednesday, as he faced intense criticism from Republicans over his job performance.
One Republican called him the “most dishonest” witness he’d seen. Another GOP lawmaker fumed that Mr. Mayorkas had no answers for basic questions about what’s happened to terrorism suspects caught at the border, or what’s happened to the 2.1 million illegal immigrants caught and released on President Biden’s watch.
When Rep. Victoria Spartz, Indiana Republican, chastised him for smiling through the stonewalling, he’d had enough.
“Let me allow the record to reflect I’m not smiling, nor have I smiled,” he demanded.
Mr. Mayorkas appeared before the House Judiciary Committee, where Republicans were nonplussed by his facial expressions as he ducked direct answers to their questions.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, Florida Republican, was miffed when Mr. Mayorkas couldn’t say how many of the caught-and-released migrants have actually been deported, as the secretary has promised will happen to those that don’t win their cases.
“The reason you’re smirking about it, and the reason you won’t answer my question, is because everybody gets the joke,” Mr. Gaetz said.
Later in the hearing, Mr. Mayorkas did say that at least 1,000 of the 2.1 million catch-and-release migrants have been deported, but he wouldn’t go beyond that characterization.
The secretary’s testimony came with the shadow of impeachment hanging over him.
Committees are building the case, accusing him of having lied to Congress and flouted numerous laws and court rulings as he’s overseen record-shattering levels of chaos at the southern border.
Mr. Mayorkas brushed aside the complaints, saying he’s doing what he can with the resources he has.
“We are dealing with a completely broken immigration system,” he said.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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