(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas faced rigorous questioning during a recent Homeland Security Committee hearing, where he failed to provide a concrete answer regarding the potential presence of individuals tied to Gaza-based Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah within the U.S.
In a tense exchange with Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Mayorkas failed to give a specific number when asked about the existence of illegal aliens with direct ties to terrorist organizations.
“Approximately how many illegal aliens in this country or here on asylum have direct ties to Hamas, to Hezbollah, to the Islamic Jihad or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?” Marshall asked.
🚨WOW. @RogerMarshallMD:
“How many illegal aliens are here on asylum with direct ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, Jihad, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran?”
Sec. Mayorkas REFUSES to answer. pic.twitter.com/UGJvBTOWm2
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) October 31, 2023
Responding to the question, Mayorkas said, “Senator Marshall, let me assure you that individuals that pose a risk to our national security are our highest enforcement priority, the safety and security of the American public.”
Despite persistent questioning, Mayorkas continued to evade providing a direct response, leading to a heated moment with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who also pressed about the specific number of terrorist-linked individuals present in the U.S.
“Can you say that Hamas, Hezbollah, or other Iran-backed terrorists are not in the U.S. currently after possibly illegally crossing our southern border?” Pressed Scott, to which Mayorkas responded by resuscitating his earlier response.
“Can you say that Hamas, Hezbollah, or other Iran-backed terrorists are not in the U.S. currently after possibly illegally crossing our southern border?”
MAYORKAS: No pic.twitter.com/0Gp3FJiZRc
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 31, 2023
The hearing escalated further when Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., drew attention to a damning report alleging that DHS employee Nejwa Ali, who served as a former spokesperson for the Palestine Liberation Organization, had allegedly posted a disturbing social media post in defense of Hamas.
“What’s going on here? Is this typical of people who work at DHS?” Hawley asked. “This is an asylum and immigration officer who is posting these frankly pro-genocidal slogans and images on the day Israelis are being slaughtered in their beds. What have you done about this?”
JUST IN: Senator Josh Hawley excoriates DHS Secretary Mayorkas for failing to take action against his pro-Hamas employee.
The incident came after Mayorkas called Hawley “despicable” after Hawley asked why the DHS was employing pro-terrorist people.
Mayorkas: “Your question to… pic.twitter.com/t4yrzNEmkb
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 31, 2023
A visibly enraged Mayorkas responded, “Four things I’d like to say to you, number one, your question, to suggest that that is emblematic of the men and women of DHS is despicable.”
