'Foolish': Ex-GOP rep calls Republicans’ impeachment ploy 'a make Trump happy exercise'

As House Republicans struggle to provide evidence behind their efforts to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkis over US immigration policy, even some GOP leaders are criticizing the right-wing leaders' efforts.

Former US Representative Denver Riggleman (R-VA) on Wednesday shared his support via X/Twitter for Mayorkis' letter to the House Homeland Security Committee making the case for why he should be able to keep his job as secretary.

In his letter, Mayorkis emphasized, "Undoubtedly, we have policy disagreements on the historically divisive issue of immigration. That has been the case between Administrations and Members o fCongress for much longer than the past 38 years since the last overhaul of our immigration system. I think it is unconscionable to separate children from their parents as a tool of deterrence. I believe that law enforcement at the border can be tough and humane. It is our responsibility to the American people to work through our differences and try to reach solutions together. The bipartisan group of United States Senators is currently doing just that."

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In support of the secretary, Riggleman wrote, "I read the letter from Secretary Mayorkas regarding impeachment proceedings to the House Committee on Homeland Security and have a few thoughts, if you don’t mind someone who hates tribal politics opining— and is a former congressman with 20+years experience in counterterrorism with the DoD and IC."

The former Virginia lawmaker continued, "At this time in our political climate, an impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas appears foolish and backwards. If the GOPers in the House are worried about Hamas and other terrorist organizations stampeding over the southern border, then the lack of good faith negotiations and lack of facts utilization by the committee appears as if the impeachment is a polling, fundraising, cross-tabs and 'make Trump happy' exercise rather than a effort to protect the American border in a 'tough and humane way'."

Riggleman then emphasized, "I strongly recommend everyone to read the Secretary’s letter closely with clear eyes and an open mind—not with 'R' and 'D' blinders on. In my opinion the letter is well-written, cogent, facts-based and service forward. As Americans, we should celebrate the bipartisan border work already in motion on the Senate side. America has always relied on robust compromise to do what’s best for its citizens. Let’s allow the adults to do just that."

Mayorkis' letter can be read here.

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