Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has demanded unredacted copies of White House officials' correspondence with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that refer to Vice President Kamala Harris as the 'border czar.' Gaetz set a deadline of August 30 for the release of these documents, citing concerns over potential cover-up and ethical violations.
According to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from the Heritage Oversight Project, White House official Ian Sams allegedly intervened to prevent the release of the requested documents. Gaetz has raised suspicions about Sams' actions, suggesting they may have violated the Hatch Act and other ethics rules.
Gaetz further requested unredacted copies of correspondence involving Ian Sams related to the oversight request by October 25. He criticized the DHS for not responding promptly to his initial request, attributing the delay to White House interference.
The Heritage Foundation's FOIA request, submitted on July 30, was initially denied by DHS for being too broad in scope. The plaintiffs were asked to specify the records they were seeking, leading to ongoing legal challenges.
Vice President Harris' role in addressing immigration issues, particularly as it relates to the border crisis, has been a subject of controversy. While the Biden administration rejects the title of 'border czar' for Harris, the term has been widely used by media outlets and political opponents.
As the pressure mounts on DHS to release the requested correspondence, questions remain about transparency and accountability within the agency. The outcome of Gaetz's demands and the ongoing legal battle over the FOIA request could have implications for the public's understanding of government operations and decision-making processes.
Sources have reached out to DHS for comment on the matter, but responses were not received by the publication deadline.
