Senate Democrats are poised to potentially end the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Wednesday, even before arguments commence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to call for votes to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas after senators are sworn in as jurors midday. This move could effectively halt the trial, much to the frustration of Republicans who have been advocating for House prosecutors to present their case. Democrats seem to be in unanimous opposition to moving forward with the trial.
In February, the House narrowly voted to impeach Mayorkas for his management of the U.S.-Mexico border, alleging that he deliberately and systematically failed to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday. The entire process could be concluded within hours on Wednesday, with Democrats asserting that the GOP's case against Mayorkas does not meet the constitutional threshold for impeachment.
Senate Republicans are expected to raise objections if Schumer calls for votes to dismiss or table the trial, but they lack the power to prevent a dismissal if majority Democrats have the votes. With Democrats holding a 51-49 majority in the Senate and showing unity against the impeachment effort, the likelihood of conviction and removal of Mayorkas from office is slim.
If the trial proceeds, it would mark the third impeachment trial in five years, following the impeachments of President Donald Trump. The Senate would be required to sit through the trial, potentially lasting weeks, while arguments are presented by House impeachment managers and Mayorkas' legal team. The Senate could also call witnesses and pose questions to both sides after the opening arguments.
