Three former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretaries from both sides of the political aisle have united to oppose the House GOP's push to impeach current Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, denouncing the move as an inappropriate response to policy differences, reported The Hill.
In a letter addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., former secretaries Michael Chertoff, Janet Napolitano, and Jeh Charles Johnson underscored their divergent views on President Joe Biden's policies but collectively argued against using impeachment as a tool for addressing such disputes.
"We collectively agree that policy differences are not constitutionally permissible impeachment offenses. Rather, they are issues to be solved via legislation or elections," the letter stated.
Chertoff, who served during President George W. Bush's tenure, was joined by Napolitano and Johnson, who held office under President Barack Obama's administration from 2009-2013 and 2013-2017, respectively.
The impending House vote on articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, scheduled for Tuesday, has intensified amidst Republican criticism of the Biden administration's handling of border security.
The trio of former secretaries emphasized the traditional recourse for addressing policy disagreements, citing hearings and legislative action as the appropriate channels within the political system.
"To instead allow impeachments of cabinet officials over political disagreements would jeopardize our national security; make cabinet-level positions more difficult to fill under future administrations; and undermine the ability of future officials to fulfill their vital missions," the letter cautioned.
Highlighting the broader responsibilities of the DHS beyond immigration management, the letter underscored the detrimental impact that Mayorkas' impeachment could have on the department's anti-terrorism efforts.
The missive also served as a cautionary message to Johnson, who has vocally opposed a bipartisan border deal endorsed by the Biden administration, criticizing it as inadequate.
"If you want a solution to strengthen our border security – and a solution is badly needed – you would be well advised to work with the Senate on the bipartisan bill they have put forward," the letter advised, warning against the futility of impeaching Mayorkas.
"Impeaching Secretary Mayorkas solves nothing and leaves our outdated immigration system exactly where it is now – broken," the letter concluded.