Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas appeared before Congress Wednesday for the first time as secretary amid a growing migrant surge at the southern border.
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Homeland Security secretary testifies on border crisis
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas appeared before the House Homeland Security Committee for the first time amid the crisis at the southern border.Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas was grilled by lawmakers Wednesday amid the migrant surge at the southern border.
A record increase in crossing attempts by unaccompanied migrant children continues to overwhelm Border Patrol resources in the southwest.
By QUINN OWEN and LUKE BARR, ABC News
(WASHINGTON) Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas will appear before Congress for the first time as secretary on Wednesday, amid the humanitarian crisis at the southern border.
A record increase in crossing attempts by unaccompanied migrant children continues to overwhelm Border Patrol resources in the southwest.
Mayorkas has led the deployment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and oversaw the reassignment of personnel from other areas of the country to aid authorities on the front lines.
This week, the number of minors in Border Patrol custody ballooned to more than 4,200, according to sources familiar with the data.
DHS chief grilled by lawmakers over handling of migrant surge at border
Homeland Security secretary testifies on border crisis
Replay Video UP NEXT Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas was grilled by lawmakers Wednesday amid the migrant surge at the southern border. A record increase in crossing attempts by unaccompanied migrant children continues to overwhelm Border Patrol resources in the southwest. In his opening statement to the House Homeland Security Committee, Mayorkas reiterated that the department faces a difficult situation at the border – but stopped short of calling it a crisis. He highlighted the administration s efforts at rolling back some Trump-era policies such as the Remain in Mexico protocols and stressed that most people crossing the border are single adults who are immediately sent back.
By QUINN OWEN and LUKE BARR, ABC News
(WASHINGTON) Homeland Security chief Alejandro Mayorkas appeared before lawmakers for the first time as secretary on Wednesday, amid the humanitarian crisis at the southern border.
A record increase in crossing attempts by unaccompanied migrant children continues to overwhelm Border Patrol resources in the southwest.
In his opening statement to the House Homeland Security Committee, Mayorkas reiterated that the department faces a difficult situation at the border but stopped short of calling it a crisis.
He highlighted the administration’s efforts at rolling back some Trump-era policies such as the “Remain in Mexico” protocols and stressed that most people crossing the border are single adults who are immediately sent back.