WASHINGTON — In the final days of the Biden administration, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas offered a defense of his agency’s efforts to manage and mitigate the numbers of illegal border crossings while also expressing his opposition to any proposals aimed at dismantling the extensive department. This discussion came during a comprehensive interview that spanned various pressing topics.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, he has nominated South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as the new head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an agency tasked with overseeing border and airport safety, disaster management, and the protection of high-profile public figures. Noem is scheduled for a confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mayorkas shared that he has engaged in frequent conversations with Noem, including discussions about significant recent events such as the January 1 truck attack in New Orleans and the devastating wildfires sweeping through California. He characterized these exchanges as “meaningful, very productive, very positive.”
Examining changes in border crossing statistics, Mayorkas pointed out that while illegal crossings surged shortly after President Joe Biden took office, they have since decreased significantly. Notably, December marked the sixth consecutive month in which the number of illegal crossing apprehensions fell below the monthly averages recorded in 2019. Republican critics have seized upon these fluctuating figures to accuse the Biden administration of failing to effectively manage border security, a sentiment echoed by many voters during the recent elections.
Mayorkas attributed the initial rise in crossings to trends that emerged towards the end of Trump’s presidency, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic had temporarily suppressed migration flows. With the U.S. recovering more swiftly from the pandemic compared to other nations in the region, he noted an uptick in migration activity. He emphasized the broader context, stating that global displacement levels are now at an unprecedented height since World War II, reflecting a widespread phenomenon rather than a localized issue.
As he continued to address criticisms regarding border policies, Mayorkas faced significant backlash from Republican lawmakers, leading to his impeachment early in 2024 on accusations of failing to enforce immigration laws. He dismissed these charges as politically driven and unfounded. Mayorkas insisted that it was crucial to consider the landscape when the Biden administration began, as the Title 42 rule—allowing for the swift expulsion of migrants without asylum requests—was still operational. Although this policy was ultimately terminated by Biden, he noted significant pressures to maintain it due to concerns over rising migration numbers.
The secretary stressed the necessity for funding and resources to strengthen operations, revealing that despite their efforts to secure additional funding and bipartisan support for lasting solutions, they faced political obstacles. He countered critiques from both Republican and immigration advocacy groups, pointing to advances in areas like the refugee program, which had suffered significantly under Trump’s administration.
On the topic of Trump’s campaign pledges concerning mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Mayorkas refrained from making judgments based solely on headlines, although he acknowledged that such rhetoric could evoke fear. He assured that the DHS has consistently focused on targeting public safety and national security threats, aligning with previous commitments made by the Trump administration.
When discussing the structure of the DHS, Mayorkas defended the department, which was established in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and now encompasses 22 different agencies with a workforce of around 260,000. Critics, including advocates for a more conservative government approach, have called for dismantling the department. However, Mayorkas asserted that maintaining its integrity is vital as the complexities of homeland security have grown. He stressed that DHS is currently more aligned and effective than ever before.
During his time in office, Mayorkas also worked to enhance the morale of DHS employees by advocating for pay increases for frontline workers and initiatives aimed at improving mental health support. He reported progress in employee satisfaction ratings, noting that the department had risen in rankings for job satisfaction among federal agencies this year.
Mayorkas concluded by outlining a multitude of potential threats facing the nation, which include domestic extremism, hostile foreign nations such as China and Russia, extreme weather conditions, and cyber threats. When asked about the key focus areas for the incoming administration, he emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to address these varied challenges.
