The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sought legal counsel as Republicans threaten to fire Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The DHS has hired the New York-based law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, which previously represented House Democrats in former President Trump’s impeachment trial, to assist Mayorkas and other administration officials in responding to congressional investigators’ document requests and questions, as well as to defend the department if Republicans pursue an impeachment trial.
Republicans have chastised Mayorkas for his handling of the southern border crisis, which has resulted in a spike in illegal migrant encounters, with over 2.3 million coming into the United States in the fiscal year 2022. The Republicans’ activities, according to the Biden Administration, are politically motivated.
Biden Admin Lawyers Up as Republicans Threaten Mayorkas' Job
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In a statement, the DHS declared: “We do not want this to distract the secretary or the department from the important homeland security, national security work that we do day to day… we are protecting the country from terrorist attacks by air, by sea. We are protecting the country from cybersecurity attacks. We are securing the borders.”
Given the exceptional scenario, the agency expects to pay up to $3 million in legal fees, which it considers an appropriate use of government funds.
Mayorkas acknowledged the border situation and emphasized that he is working with the DHS to handle it and boost efficiency, as well as provide humanitarian relief where possible and execute the law when necessary.
