Mayorkas responds to questions on DHS’s response to Israel-Hamas war
Department of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas testified before the Senate on antisemitic violence sparked by the Israel-Hamas war.
WASHINGTON−Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas engaged in a heated exchange with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., as the senator raised concerns about antisemitic comments made by an employee of the Department of Homeland Security during the Israel-Hamas war.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Hawley pointed out two Instagram posts shared by a DHS Citizenship and Immigration Services employee, which contained anti-Israel rhetoric and a fabricated image of a paraglider heading into Israel with the caption “Free Palestine.”
When Hawley pressed Mayorkas about the employee’s employment status, Mayorkas stated that the individual had been placed on administrative leave and declined to provide further details due to the ongoing personnel matter.
Hawley responded, criticizing Mayorkas for his refusal to answer and describing his performance as despicable. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency before the committee.
Mayorkas, who identifies as Jewish, delivered a passionate response to Hawley’s comments.
“First and foremost, I find it despicable that you imply that the offensive language used by one employee reflects the sentiments of the 260,000 men and women who work at the Department of Homeland Security,” Mayorkas asserted.
“Secondly, Senator Hawley, your adversarial approach in questioning me may be due to a lack of knowledge about my personal background. You may not be aware that I am the child of a Holocaust survivor and that my mother lost most of her family at the hands of the Nazis. Therefore, I believe your confrontational tone is not only misplaced but also disrespectful towards me and my heritage,” Mayorkas added.
This exchange occurred amidst a reported increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States following Hamas’ attack on Israel.
