Mayorkas Sits Down For Interview With ABC
ABC News host Martha Raddatz challenged Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday, expressing skepticism over the Biden administration's handling of the southern border crisis. The discussion highlighted significant concerns regarding the administration's effectiveness in managing the influx of migrants.
During a 2021 interview, Mayorkas confidently stated, "We have seen large numbers of migration in the past. We know how to address it. We have a plan. We are executing on our plan, and we will succeed." Raddatz played this clip and then pointedly remarked, "That was three years ago. Since then, 6.5 million migrants have been apprehended along the southern border. It would be very hard to call that a success."
Mayorkas defended the administration, emphasizing that migration is a "dynamic phenomenon" and not unique to the United States. He highlighted the need for congressional action and cooperation from other countries to address the root causes and manage the flow of migrants effectively.
Raddatz also questioned the latest executive action by President Biden, which temporarily suspends the entry of non-citizens across the southern border once the number of average daily encounters exceeds 2,500 over a seven-day period. This suspension is intended to remain in place until the average number of daily encounters drops below 1,500 over a consecutive seven-day period.
"Do you really expect that to happen in the coming months or before Election Day?" Raddatz asked, noting that the administration's goal seemed ambitious given the current situation.
Mayorkas responded that they are actively working towards achieving these targets by promoting lawful pathways for migration and securing cooperation from other countries in the region. He acknowledged the challenges but insisted that the administration's efforts were significant and ongoing.
Raddatz also pressed Mayorkas on why the administration waited four months after the bipartisan border deal collapsed in Congress to implement new measures.
Mayorkas explained that after the bipartisan deal was rejected twice, the administration developed and implemented the current policy, which is in its early stages and requires extensive coordination with other countries.
Addressing concerns from the ACLU, which has pledged to sue over the new policy, Mayorkas reiterated the need for congressional action and expressed confidence in the administration's approach. He disagreed with the ACLU's assertion that the policy would endanger thousands of lives, emphasizing the administration's commitment to finding effective solutions.