Speaking just before the beginning of a Senate impeachment proceedings against him, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas refused to say whether a terrorist attack is imminent in the U.S., as well as whether people on the government’s terrorist watchlist have been caught and released and are roaming free in the U.S.
Instead, the Secretary attempted to assure lawmakers that he is “vigilant” claiming those whose identities trigger the watchlist can be “priorities” for detention in cases when the government believes they might pose a further national security or public safety threat.
The Washington Times reports on the exchange which came during Mr. Mayorkas’s testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee, which wrote the articles of impeachment.
“Is a terrorist attack inside the United States of America imminent?” demanded Rep. August Pfluger, Texas Republican.
Mr. Mayorkas responded: “Let me assure you, congressman, that the safety and security of the American people is our highest priority.”
The Times explains that law enforcement officials have expressed concern that ISIS has called for more attacks in the wake of last month’s deadly terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow.
Mr. Pfluger later asked whether Mr. Mayorkas has briefed President Biden on any impending terror threat, and the secretary again demurred, repeating his “safety and security” answer.
Rep. Dan Goldman, New York Democrat, called the GOP questions “completely uncalled for, unwarranted personal attacks.”
Democrats cheered on Mr. Mayorkas amid the attacks, predicting he will survive the impeachment proceedings in the Senate and remain at the helm of Mr. Biden’s immigration efforts.
Rep. Robert Garcia, a California Democrat, said “The impeachment sham against you is dead on arrival in the Senate.”
